The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has not monitored any serious security threats as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte begins on Monday, even as the police force remains on heightened alert.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP), PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities have not observed any potential untoward incidents that could disrupt the impeachment proceedings at the Senate.
Despite the absence of any immediate threat, Nartatez said the PNP's intelligence units continue to conduct threat assessment and monitoring operations to prevent any possible security gaps.
The PNP chief also directed police personnel to exercise maximum tolerance should protests or public demonstrations take place in connection with the impeachment trial.
Earlier, the PNP headquarters announced that around 6,000 police officers would be deployed around the Senate complex and other key areas to ensure peace and order during the proceedings.
The PNP has also coordinated with the Senate leadership to ensure that police deployment will not distract or interfere with the conduct of the impeachment trial.
Meanwhile, the PNP said it has prepared a security template in the event that the Sandiganbayan issues a warrant of arrest against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
Nartatez said the operational plan would be similar to the security measures implemented during the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on June 1.
