Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police deployed 3,250 officers around the Senate on Monday for the opening of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Nartatez said another 2,900 police personnel were placed on standby under the Special Task Group Senate Impeachment Proceedings.
Nartatez said the deployment formed part of the PNP’s security plan for the conduct of the impeachment proceedings.
He said the police organization aimed to help ensure the safe, orderly and peaceful opening of the constitutional process.
The PNP also installed additional closed-circuit television cameras in key areas around the Senate.
Nartatez said traffic rerouting measures had been coordinated with concerned agencies, while nearby hospitals had been identified for possible emergency response.
He said the PNP’s goal was to secure the area without disrupting the public’s right to peacefully and lawfully express their views.
Duterte’s trial was set to begin at 2 p.m. Monday. A conviction would require the vote of at least two-thirds of the Senate and could lead to her removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.