Police presence will be limited to the outer perimeter of the Senate complex amid peace, order and security concerns due to the political tensions between two groups of senators, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday, June 4.

Additional police forces were earlier deployed at the Senate and PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. assured that the measure is purely preventive and aimed at managing public assembly outside the Senate grounds.

“Our deployment is strictly a proactive, external security measure meant to manage public assembly and ensure the safety of everyone,” said Nartatez.

“The Philippine National Police will remain outside the complex to monitor protesters and maintain public order, as we fully respect the administrative autonomy and internal protocols of the Senate's own security force,” he added.

Following the recent development at the Senate on Wednesday, the PNP is expecting more protesters to go to the Senate, especially that there was a call from ousted Senate president Alan Peter Cayetabo to hold a vigil in the area.

Even before the recent development in the Senate, a number of protesters were already seen holding programs in front of the Senate.

On Thursday morning, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla was seen in the Senate grounds to oversee the security especially amid reports that a flood control hearing will be held inside the Senate.

Coordination with Senate authorities is also being done for all security measures.

Nartatez urged restraint from all sides as authorities prepare for the event.

To ensure operational readiness, Nartatez directed local and concerned police units to exercise maximum tolerance when dealing with those who will attend the vigil and ordered commanders to strictly observe established protocols on peaceful assemblies.

Under these directives, ground units are currently establishing designated areas for protesters and vigil participants to ensure orderly movement and prevent any traffic or security disruptions.

“While we acknowledge certain calls for a peaceful vigil, we strongly urge all groups—whether supporters or critics—to maintain sobriety, to exercise maximum restraint, and to respect our laws,” Nartatez said.

“We appeal to the public not to let simmering political tensions escalate into civil disorder. Our police forces are on the ground not to suppress your voices but to guarantee that peace and public safety prevail for the duration of these assemblies,” added.