PNP finalizing security preps for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it was finalizing its security measures for the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The House prosecution panel and Duterte’s defense team held their first pretrial conference at the Senate last Thursday, as the July 6 start of the trial approached.

“The Philippine National Police… is now finalizing all the necessary security preparations as the Senate prepares for the start of the impeachment trial,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

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READ: Sara Duterte impeachment: ‘Tension,’ disputes mark pretrial meet

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“Aside from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)… several units may be tapped to maximize the implementation of peace and order measures outside the Senate in order to ensure sufficient manpower for the regular security rotations,” he added.

Nartatez noted that NCRPO personnel had been deployed to the Senate premises since May 11, when Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa resurfaced, and the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to arrest him over an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

Dela Rosa, a long-time Duterte ally, is wanted by the ICC for his alleged participation in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

The PNP chief said it will coordinate with the Senate sergeant-at-arms for security measures inside and outside the chamber’s premises.

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“Policemen will be off-limits inside the Senate unless called upon for any untoward or emergency situations,” Nartatez explained.

He further noted that the PNP will coordinate with the House sergeant-at-arms to secure its members on the prosecution panel.

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“Security assistance will [also] be proposed and coordinated with private lawyers both from the defense and prosecution teams,” he added.

Vice President Duterte is accused of misusing confidential funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribing Department of Education officials, and threatening the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.

If convicted, Duterte may be removed from office and barred from holding any public office.

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“We in the PNP are aware that this could be an emotionally-charged situation from both sides of the political fence. Our goal is to ensure that this will not lead to an incident that threatens not only their safety but also the peace and order,” the PNP chief stressed. /mr