Police officers were already stationed near MRT-3 Ortigas Station on Tuesday morning ahead of a "Blue Ribbon hearing" promoted online by former congressman Mike Defensor.
Approximately 200 police personnel from the Eastern Police District (EPD) were stationed to secure the area.
This comes after Defensor’s announcement that a “Blue Ribbon hearing” on alleged anomalies in flood control projects would take place at the Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place at 10:00 a.m. on June 16.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, members of the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) team were seen gathered beneath the train station carrying anti-riot shields, helmets, and other crowd-control equipment. The officers remained on standby in the vicinity of the venue.
The deployment area is located near the Garden Events Place along EDSA, where the hearing is expected to take place.
Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, including several vloggers and online content creators, had already arrived hours before the event’s scheduled 10 a.m. start. Many positioned themselves near the entrance gates while conducting livestream broadcasts.
Earlier in the morning, police personnel led by Eastern Police District chief PCol. Reynard Patam, engaged in discussions with supporters gathered at the site. Among those present was Doc Bong Ramirez, who identified himself as part of a group that had reportedly spent 35 days camped near the Senate before moving to the EDSA location.
The discussions centered on access to the area after some supporters expressed concerns about police personnel blocking the entrance gate. However, no tension or confrontation was reported between the police and the group.
Traffic along the southbound lanes of EDSA remained generally manageable, although vehicles slowed slightly whenever police officers or other personnel gathered near the roadway. Authorities continued to enforce a no-parking policy in the area to maintain traffic flow.
In an interview, Ramirez said supporters were gathering in hopes of hearing what they described as the truth regarding current issues facing the country.
“Ang expectation natin ngayon ay magkaroon ng pagpupulong kasama po ang ating mga taong bayan para gusto nila marinig po ano ang katotohanan na nangyayari ngayon sa ating lipunan,” Ramirez said.
He urged participants to remain respectful and avoid hostile language while expressing their opinions.
“Pwede nilang sabihin ang kanilang hinagpis, hinanakit pero dapat pairalin pa rin yung makataong salita na may kasamang takot sa Diyos. Kasi nga mahirap naman na tayo mag-akusa na wala pa tayong proven, beyond reasonable doubt, magiging guilty sila sa kanilang sitwasyon,” he said. “Kaya kinakailangan hayaan natin na yung Korte na mag-usig.”
Ramirez also said that, based on information circulating on social media, they expected the possible attendance of Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta. However, he acknowledged that organizers had not received confirmation and remained uncertain about who would ultimately attend.
However, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday warned the public against the unauthorized use of the committee’s name in connection with the supposed hearing.
In a written statement, Tulfo said the committee "categorically rejects the misinformation being circulated online," and told the public to disregard Defensor's announcement.
The committee emphasized that any official Blue Ribbon Committee hearing can only be convened and announced through proper Senate channels.
