THE PNP has declared a nationwide heightened alert due to possible disturbance and mass actions following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday assured the public that security measures are in place to ensure peace and order throughout the country.
The PNP and the Armed Forces said the security situation is stable and generally peaceful.
A memorandum issued by the PNP directorate for operations said police regional offices (PROs) and National Support Units (NSUs) were placed under alert effective 5 p.m. Tuesday, several hours after authorities effected the arrest based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, and hours before he was flown to the Netherlands late Tuesday.
“This pertains to the current nationwide peace and order situation where possible civil disturbance, rallies and mass actions may arise following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” the memorandum said.
It instructed policemen “to conduct proactive security measures and execute extreme caution for possible enemy atrocities.”
It also directed police units to “establish and intensify border control points” and immediately prepare civil disturbance management teams “to ensure peace and order, and public safety in your respective areas of responsibility.”
Retired police general and former National Intelligence Coordinating Agency director general Alex Paul Monteagudo, a known Duterte supporter, has said the former president does not want his arrest leading to violence.
Marbil, in a statement, said the PNP “continues to monitor the situation closely and is fully prepared to respond to any developments.”
“Our personnel have been strategically deployed to ensure peace and security nationwide,” he added.
The PNP Public Information Office said the nationwide heightened alert is part of “standard security measures.”
Police personnel have been deployed to key areas to support public safety efforts and ensure order, it added.
“As of today (Wednesday), the situation across the country remains under control. The PNP assures the public of its continued vigilance and commitment to maintaining peace and security nationwide,” it added.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the situation in Metro Manila is “generally peaceful.”
He said the NCRPO received reports of public assemblies.
“We have yet to validate this but just the same, the NCRPO is ready for any public assembly,” he said.
Aberin said the NCRPO is focusing its attention on some areas, including the Edsa Shrine. “We already have CDM (civil disturbance management) personnel on standby there,” he said.
Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Armed Forces spokesperson, said the country’s security situation continues to be stable but the military continues to monitor developments and is “prepared to respond appropriately to any threats to peace and order.”
She also asked Filipinos “to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.”
“Let us prioritize unity and allow the legal processes to unfold. We have full confidence in our institutions to handle this matter with due diligence,” she added.
SPECULATIONS
Padilla dismissed speculations of military unrest arising from Duterte’s arrest, saying these has “no basis.”
“We remain to be solid and professional, unequivocally committed to the chain of command and the democratic institutions of the Philippines,” she said without elaborating on talks the speculations.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido dismissed the possibility of a coup d’état because of Duterte’s arrest.
“I was asked about that before. I said it’s a waste of time because at this point in time, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is very professional, the Army is very professional and we follow the chain of command,” he said at the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” public briefing.
In an interview later, Galido urged the soldiers to always uphold the chain of command.
“In the Philippine Army, we remain very professional and we follow the chain of command and we focus more on why we exist. We exist to protect the sovereignty of our country and most especially preparation for our defense,” said Galido.
As to his message to soldiers, Galido said, “You just follow the chain of command, I will lead you to pour mission accomplishment.”
‘PEOPLE POWER’
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cautioned the public, especially Duterte supporters and allies, to first consider facts about his case and the events that led to his being arrested before calling for or joining “people power” rallies against the administration.
In a briefing in Malacañang, Castro said the people should also consider that calling for a people power is akin to pushing for the downfall of the government or administration.
“What would be the reason to ask the public to rebel against the government when it was only fulling its mandate and enforcing the law,” she said in Filipino.
Castro said the complaint against Duterte was not made up as actual victims and families of the victims actually who spoke up.
“This does not involve planting of evidence. The case did not emanate from the Philippines. This is a case pending in the ICC),” she said.
Castro also said the people should go beyond “nakakaawa” or pitying the former president and instead think of the plight of those who have been denied their rights in connection with the implementation of Duterte’s war against illegal drugs. – With Jocelyn Montemayor
