NCRPO to remain on full alert amid VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will remain on full alert in the coming days as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte kicked off on Monday, July 6.

Over 4,000 Metro Manila cops were deployed as more than 300 individuals held protests near the Senate's premises in Pasay City.

"Full alert tayo hanggang Wednesday or in the coming days, depende sa asessment natin kung kailangan ibaba," NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin told reporters outside of the Senate building.

(We will be on full alert until Wednesday or the coming days, depending on our assessment.)

Although tensions briefly flared earlier between progressive groups and police officers as protesters marched toward the Senate, the NCRPO said that it was "generally peaceful."

"Generally peaceful tayo sa buong maghapon na deployment po natin. Walang nangyaring kaguluhan na maaring makapekto sa hearing na nangyayari," Aberin said.

(It was generally peaceful throughout our deployment. No conflict happened that could affect the hearing.)

He added that no one was reportedly hurt from the earlier commotion.

"Tulakan pero walang na-report na nasaktan," said Aberin.

(There was some pushing, but nobody was reported hurt.)

For tomorrow, the NCRPO may have to adjust their deployment given the outcomes of the first day of trial, noting that only some 3,000 cops would be deployed.

"Yung adjustment na gagawin natin bukas is baka magbawas tayo ng deployment natin," said Aberin.

The NCRPO added that pro and anti protesters will have designated entry points and spaces to avoid possible commotion.

"Basta ang bottom line is we will seperate them. Hindi dapat sila nagsasama sa isang [lugar]," said Aberin. — BM, GMA News