PNP ready for protest rallies, scenario on trial’s final day

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police said it is ready for any possible scenario that may arise in anticipation of the final judgment of the senate impeachment court to Chief Justice Renato Corona Tuesday, a PNP spokesman said.

Senior Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said they have already laid out their security plan in preparation for pro-and anti-Corona groups who are expected to stage protest rallies to express their sentiments on whatever the verdict may be.

Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo, Manila Police District spokesman said they will deploy a battalion from the Civil Management Division to Plaza Ferguson in Manila.

He said there will also be two teams from the Special Reaction Unit, 10 teams of covert and intelligence personnel, and five teams of arresting officers.

“Station five will act as ground commander,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Southern Police District manning the Senate area in Pasay City said “sufficient” number of personnel from the Pasay police and District Public Safety Battalion were deployed as early as 7 a.m. to maintain peace and order where the verdict on Corona is expected to be release later this day.

“Any mass action will be met with policy of maximum tolerance under the rule of law. We will respect the rights of all quarters and even bend backwards to accommodate legitimate protest,” Superintendent Jenny Tecson, SPD spokesperson said.

She said, however, that they will draw the line on the side of public interest, “which we will never allow to be violated with impunity.”

She said that it is the duty of the police to make sure that all mass actions are conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner, taking note that they will intervene if violations are observed to be taking place.

“If illegal acts are committed, we will have to make arrests on the spots and might as well disperse them,” she said.

Tecson also said no traffic rerouting has been imposed within the vicinity.