The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring security around the United States Embassy in Manila and other critical areas over protests following recent developments involving US military operations in Venezuela.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units are on standby amid mass demonstrations at sensitive locations to ensure that they remain orderly and peaceful. He emphasized that public safety remains the PNP’s top priority.
“We are prepared for any protest action and similar activities. Our police units, especially in Metro Manila and other urban areas, are monitoring the situation in their respective areas and ready to respond to any eventuality,” he said.
“Our units are closely monitoring the US Embassy and other critical locations. We have police personnel on standby to ensure that peace and order remain in these areas,” Nartatez added.
The US military launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela on January 3, involving airstrikes and ground action reportedly aimed at dismantling narcotics trafficking and criminal networks linked to the Venezuelan government.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and transported to New York to face charges. As this developed, several groups and lawmakers in the Philippines urged the national government to condemn the US government over its military operations.
Nartatez has instructed all local police units, especially the Metro Manila Police District (MPD) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), to remain vigilant and maintain close coordination with local government units and barangay officials to monitor the security situation in strategic locations.
“May dagdag tayo na presensya ng ating kapulisan sa mga strategic locations para maagapan ang anumang posibleng kaguluhan (We have increased the presence of our police force in strategic locations to preempt any possible disturbances),” he noted.
Intelligence units have also been tasked to monitor social media and public forums for any potential protest plans or security threats.
