PNP gears up for March 11 protests marking 1st year of Duterte's arrest 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing for protests on Wednesday, March 11, which marks one year since former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on orders by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. 

The PNP said the protest is expected to span along EDSA until Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. 

“We are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local units to ensure public safety. While we respect the right to peaceful assembly, we also have the mandate to ensure that there will be no incident that will disrupt normal activities and threaten peace and order,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez. 

The PNP added that it will also deploy personnel in Davao City, the bailiwick of the Dutertes, in anticipation of any related activities or protests. 

The PNP will also exercise maximum tolerance during the protests. It added that it will coordinate with event organizers and local government units. 

However, the police body called on protesters to exercise discipline and follow the instructions of the authorities. 

“We respect your right to protest, but I remind everyone to exercise discipline and comply with authorities’ directions to prevent unnecessary conflicts,” said Nartatez. 

On March 11, authorities arrested Duterte after his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 from Hong Kong. 

On the evening of the same day, Duterte departed for The Hague in the Netherlands to face charges in connection with the killings in the past administration's war on drugs. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News