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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider SPD to probe Sotto's complaint over 'unruly' Senate crowd

SPD to probe Sotto's complaint over 'unruly' Senate crowd

Published May 14, 2026 09:36 am
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III (Photo courtesy of Wendell Alinea/Senate Social Media Unit)
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III (Photo courtesy of Wendell Alinea/Senate Social Media Unit)

The Southern Police District (SPD) announced it will investigate the complaint of former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who alleged that police failed to control “the rowdy and unruly crowd” outside the Senate building on Wednesday, May 13. 

“I am furious and disappointed with the PNP and other security personnel assigned outside the Senate for failing to control the rowdy and unruly crowd, allowing them to assault me while inside my vehicle when I was about to exit the Senate,” Sotto posted on Facebook. 

He said “the barbaric protesters banged my vehicle repeatedly, threw bottles and cursed foul remarks. They can see that I am driving alone with no bodyguards.” 

“Ilang truck na PNP ang nakadeploy sa Senate, tapos ganito? Ganito na ba kawalang respeto at walanghiya ang mga taga suporta ng ilang Senador na nag rarally ngayong gabi? (How many PNP trucks are deployed in the Senate, and then this? Are the supporters of some Senators who rallied tonight this disrespectful and shameless?).” 

In a statement, the SPD expressed its deep concern over the incident.

“The SPD recognizes the sentiments raised regarding the alleged disorderly behavior of some rally participants and the unfortunate experience encountered while exiting the Senate area. The District assures the public that maintaining peace, public order, and the safety of all individuals remain among the top priorities of the police organization, especially during the conduct of public assemblies and mass actions,” it said. 

The SPD said it will conduct an investigation and assessment on security deployment and actions undertaken by the police on the ground during the activity. 

It said measures and actions will be implemented based on the result of the investigation “to ensure accountability and to further improve the management of public assemblies and security operations.”

The SPD reminded participants in public gatherings “to exercise restraint, observe respect, and remain within the bounds of the law at all times. While the right to peaceful assembly is protected, acts of violence, harassment, and any form of disorderly conduct will not be tolerated.”

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