After more than a month of encampment outside the Senate, tents and tarpaulins set up by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte were dismantled by the Pasay City local government during a clearing operation on Wednesday morning, June 17.
In a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, personnel from the Pasig LGU removed tents, tarpaulins, LED screens, and other materials used by the group for its activities and programs along the side of the Senate premises as part of a clearing operation.
According to the Pasay City LGU, the action serves as a final warning to the supporters. Authorities said the structures would be permanently confiscated if they are reinstalled.
“Ang problema namin binabalik lang nila nang binabalik kapag kinuha naman namin syempre magkakagulo hindi naman pwedeng hindi sila papalag,” an LGU staff member said.
“Kaya mangyayari ngayon, last warning na sila para tanggalin lahat ng tent at mga gamit na nakakalat nila” the official added.
The LGU said the tents have become an obstruction along the northbound lane of Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City, with supporters effectively turning the area into a campsite.
The local government had previously conducted a clearing operation, but the demonstrators reportedly reassembled the tents and continued occupying the site the following day.
Authorities have warned that any tents and materials returned to the area after this latest operation will be subject to confiscation.
Meanwhile, more than 400 police personnel were deployed outside the Senate ahead of the Senate's special session.
According to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Major Hazel Asilio, no special security measures have been implemented, noting that security arrangements remain the same as those enforced in recent weeks. She added that personnel from the Civil Disturbance Management Unit have also been deployed to the area.
Barbed-wire barricades remain in place outside the Senate complex.
NCRPO Director Major General Anthony Aberin said authorities are seeking to prevent tensions from escalating and to avoid confrontations between protesters and police officers.
Aberin also said the police are not lowering their guard amid reported security threats against the Senate, even as authorities continue to validate the information. He added that deployment plans are in place should the threats be confirmed.
Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) advised Senate leaders to strengthen security protocols in response to potential security threats.
