Police security in place amid special session, Senate leadership development
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has prepared calibrated responses for any protest actions amid the political development in the Senate that comes with the conduct of a special session of the Congress.
While not receiving any serious threat, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr does not want any unnecessary incident to happen and even urged the protesters to remain calm and respect the process and the rule of law.
“While we fully respect everyone’s freedom to express opinion and participate in a political activity, we in the PNP believe that this could be done without resorting to any move that could compromise the safety of anybody,” said Nartatez.
At Wednesday's hearing, the Senate elected Sherwin Gatchalian as president after securing 13 votes to finally deny any opportunity for ousted leader Alan Peter Cayetano to hold on to.
Amid the high political tension, Nartatez said they have long prepared calibrated responses for any eventuality, especially at the Senate, but pointed out that there is no need to resort to any activity that will go beyond the right of the people to peaceful assembly and air grievances.
“Let us all work together to make all these activities safe and peaceful for everybody,” he added.
The President called for the special session through Proclamation No. 1318, instructing lawmakers to deliberate on critical, unfinished measures that have already reached advanced stages in the legislative process.
Police, however, are anticipating protest actions especially amid the political situation. The PNP already deployed a sufficient number of policemen to secure the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Coordination with the Senate and the House of Representatives was also strengthened.
Nartatez said police forces will focus on their mandate to ensure that the rule of law is observed and peace and order is maintained.
“While we remain apolitical and non-partisan, our focus remains on maintaining peace and order in society amid these political tensions,” Nartatez said.