By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Protest actions held outside the Senate during the opening day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial remained generally peaceful despite brief confrontations between demonstrators with opposing views on the case, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Monday.
NCRPO Director Anthony Aberin reported that no injuries were recorded among protesters or police personnel throughout the day’s security operations.
Tension briefly flared around noon after members of the Bantay Impeachment Coalition, who support Duterte’s removal from office, came into a confrontation with police officers assigned to secure the Senate complex.
Aberin said the incident stemmed from heightened emotions between groups supporting and opposing the impeachment proceedings, prompting authorities to immediately intervene and prevent the situation from escalating.
To avoid further friction, police are considering assigning separate demonstration areas for opposing groups during the succeeding days of the trial.
The NCRPO chief also announced that the police force will remain under full alert status as impeachment proceedings continue, with security personnel maintaining heightened vigilance to preserve peace and public order around the Senate and other key areas in Metro Manila.
Authorities assured the public that law enforcement agencies will continue coordinating with rally organizers to ensure that future demonstrations remain peaceful while respecting the constitutional rights of all parties to assemble and express their views.
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