PNP sustains monitoring after peaceful Day 1 of Duterte trial

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered all units to sustain real-time security monitoring and adjust deployments as needed during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial following the “peaceful” opening day of the proceedings.

The Senate formally opened the historic impeachment trial of Duterte on Monday making her the first sitting Philippine vice president to undergo impeachment proceedings.

READ: Highlights: Day 1 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial

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In a statement on Tuesday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that maintaining peace during the opening day was only the first step, stressing that security operations would continue to evolve based on developments on the ground.

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“Security is a dynamic, not a static, responsibility,” Nartatez emphasized.

“We have institutionalized a 24/7 intelligence feedback loop, meaning our deployment strategy is recalibrated every hour based on real-time ground assessments,” he said.

Nartatez said the strategy is to “ensure that the Senate remains secure without impeding the public’s right to peaceful expression.”

All police intelligence units were directed to identify and prevent potential threats, provocations, or other disruptive activities that could compromise public safety or interfere with the trial.

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The PNP said the opening day of the Senate impeachment trial on Monday was generally peaceful despite separate demonstrations staged by various groups outside the Senate in Pasay City.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) estimated that more than 300 people attended the rallies.“The peaceful conduct of the assembly was a testament to the discipline of our police force and the maturity of our citizens in exercising their democratic rights,” Nartatez said.

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To maintain security and order, the PNP deployed 6,630 personnel for the opening day of the proceedings.

Of the total, 3,250 police officers were assigned to secure the Senate complex, while 2,900 Civil Disturbance Management personnel were placed on standby for rapid deployment if needed.

The police also activated a Special Task Group, installed additional CCTV cameras in key areas, and implemented traffic rerouting measures. They also coordinated with nearby hospitals to ensure an immediate medical response if needed.

The trial is scheduled to run for 92 trial days, during which senator-judges will hear four Articles of Impeachment.

The charges against VP Sara Duterte include the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, constitutional violations, and betrayal of public trust. /das

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