The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday it stands ready to maintain the overall peace and order situation in the country in the wake of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s departure on Tuesday to face crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement, PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said that while the country remains “generally peaceful,” law enforcement authorities shall continue to monitor the situation closely and are “fully prepared to respond to any developments.”
National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) chief Brigadier Gen. Anthony Aberin said there are sufficient police personnel deployed to secure all possible rally sites across Metro Manila amid threats of widespread protest actions from Duterte supporters.
“We have been monitoring since Tuesday and we will continue to do so as part of our effort of ensuring peace and order here in Metro Manila,” Aberin said.
Currently, police officers are securing the EDSA Shrine where former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque previously urged supporters of the former president to converge and air their grievances.
Aside from EDSA Shrine, the NCRPO is also monitoring the usual rally sites like Mendiola and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Quezon City and Manila, and the People Power Monument in Quezon City.