The Philippine National Police mobilized 6,630 personnel on Sunday, July 6, to secure the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as proceedings opened at the Senate in Pasay City, according to the PNP's Public Information Office.
The deployment, led by a Special Task Group formed specifically for the event, covers security operations before, during, and after the trial, with officers positioned across key areas surrounding the Senate complex.
Thousands of Officers Positioned Around Senate Complex
Of the total force deployed, 3,250 officers have been assigned to active posts at critical points around the Senate, the PNP-PIO said. An additional 2,900 Civil Disturbance Management personnel are on standby for immediate augmentation should conditions on the ground require reinforcement.
Deployment areas span the north, front, and south sections of J.W. Diokno Boulevard, where officers are tasked with maintaining public order, assisting motorists and pedestrians, and ensuring that lawful activities proceed without disruption.
CCTV Cameras, Traffic Rerouting, and Emergency Protocols in Place
Beyond personnel deployment, the PNP said it has installed additional closed-circuit television cameras at strategic locations around the Senate. Traffic rerouting arrangements have been finalized in coordination with concerned agencies, and nearby hospitals have been identified to enable prompt emergency medical response if needed.
The preparations fall under the PNP's Focused Agenda within its Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework, which emphasizes proactive planning, inter-agency coordination, and full operational readiness for major national events.
The security measures also align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to maintain peace and order while protecting the constitutional rights of all Filipinos, the PNP said.
PNP Chief Calls for Discipline and Public Cooperation
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the organization is fully prepared to fulfill its mandate with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.
"Nais nating matiyak na magiging maayos at ligtas ang lahat. Ang ating mga pulis ay nakaatas na gawin ang kanilang trabaho nang may disiplina, paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa, at buong propesyonalismo. Iyan ang inaasahan ng publiko sa atin," Nartatez said.
In English, Nartatez said the public can expect all police personnel to perform their duties with discipline, respect for individual rights, and full professionalism — standards he described as the baseline expectation of the Filipino public.
The PNP chief also called on the public to cooperate with the security and traffic arrangements in place during the proceedings.
"Nakikiusap tayo sa ating mga kababayan na makiisa sa mga ipatutupad na security at traffic arrangements. Ang maayos at mapayapang pagdaraos ng isang mahalagang pambansang gawain ay responsibilidad nating lahat. Magtulungan tayo upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at kaligtasan ng bawat isa," he added.
Operations to Continue Through Duration of Trial
The PNP said it will continue monitoring developments on the ground and make operational adjustments as needed to keep the proceedings safe, peaceful, and orderly. The force described this commitment as consistent with its institutional program, Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
By the Numbers
- 6,630 — Total PNP personnel deployed for the impeachment trial security operation
- 3,250 — Officers assigned to active posts around the Senate complex
- 2,900 — Civil Disturbance Management personnel on standby for augmentation
Why This Matters
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is among the most significant constitutional proceedings in recent Philippine history, drawing a large-scale security response to protect public order and the integrity of a democratic process. The PNP's deployment of over 6,600 personnel — including a dedicated standby force for civil disturbance scenarios — reflects the scale of security concerns surrounding the trial. Inter-agency coordination on traffic and emergency response further signals the government's intent to manage public safety across the duration of the proceedings.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO