Heavy security deployed; rival groups gather near Senate ahead of historic proceedings
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Security was significantly tightened around the Senate on Monday as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte formally opened, with police deploying multiple layers of barricades and hundreds of personnel to prevent any disruption.
Authorities sealed portions of the roads leading to the Senate complex, allowing only authorized vehicles connected with the impeachment proceedings to enter the area.
Police trucks carrying personnel from various units of the Philippine National Police continued arriving throughout the day, reinforcing the security perimeter surrounding the legislative complex.
Law enforcement officers remained on full alert as both supporters of the Vice President and members of militant organizations gathered near the Senate ahead of separate demonstrations.
A coalition of militant groups is expected to stage a protest march beginning at around 3 p.m., coinciding with the start of the impeachment proceedings.
Meanwhile, a number of Duterte supporters had already assembled near the Senate, although crowd estimates remained unavailable as participants were still arriving.
The National Capital Region Police Office earlier announced that protest activities would not be permitted directly in front of the Senate building.
However, demonstrators would be allowed to assemble along the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard, provided the gathering remains peaceful and does not obstruct public order.
Police officials said one of their primary objectives is to prevent supporters of Vice President Duterte and anti-Duterte demonstrators from converging, minimizing the risk of confrontation during the highly anticipated impeachment proceedings.
Multiple security cordons have been established, with officers stationed throughout the vicinity to maintain order and ensure the uninterrupted conduct of the Senate impeachment trial.
Despite the heightened security, authorities described the situation as peaceful, with clear weather and orderly crowd movement prevailing around the Senate complex as preparations for the historic proceedings continued.
ia/xf
