NCRPO: Over 6,000 cops to secure Senate for Duterte impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — More than 6,000 police officers will secure the Senate complex as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte begins on Monday, with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) implementing heightened security measures for expected rallies.

Impeached by the House of Representatives for the second time last May 11, Duterte faces four Articles of Impeachment, with the Senate approving 92 trial days for the proceedings.

READ: Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Everything you need to know

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In a phone interview with the Inquirer, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said on Sunday that 3,250 police officers will initially be deployed around the Senate, with an additional 2,900 personnel on standby if needed.

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She said authorities expect protesters and supporters to gather outside the Senate as the impeachment proceedings begin on Monday.

“For us in the NCRPO, the instruction is simply to continue implementing maximum tolerance, respect everyone’s right to express themselves and uphold human rights, while also ensuring the implementation of police operational procedures,” she told the Inquirer in Filipino.

“The NCRPO recognizes the public’s right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression but emphasizes that these rights must be exercised in strict accordance with the law, established regulations, and all security measures being enforced around the Senate,” she added.

Asilo stressed that public cooperation is key to ensuring security and order, warning that any rule violations would be dealt with promptly to prevent tensions and protect public safety.

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“We want to prevent a repeat of the previous incident in which a senator’s vehicle was pelted with objects,” she said in an interview with radio dzBB.

Earlier, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he was disappointed with the authorities’ failure to control protesters outside the Senate during the issue involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

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“That is one of the situations we are trying to avoid, which is why we have deployed police officers to serve as a security barrier for VIPs and other personalities entering and leaving the Senate,” Asilo said.

READ: Bam Aquino to file motion to publicize Sara Duterte impeachment evidence

Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot will stage a Bantay Impeachment protest on Monday, calling for transparency while condemning any attempt to further delay or undermine the impeachment proceedings.

Organizers said a delegation will enter the Senate from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., while protesters will assemble at the Film Center at 1 p.m. before marching to the Senate.

The group expects about 1,000 participants to join the demonstration, which will begin at the Senate at 1:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, faith-based group Kingdom Keepers conducted a Jericho Walk on Saturday at the Senate compound, blessing the site with holy water and scattering salt as a symbolic act to drive away evil spirits.

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The group said the Jericho Walk focuses on vigilance, repentance, and prayers for truth, justice, and divine guidance in Duterte’s impeachment trial. /mcm