The Philippine National Police (PNP) will adopt a policy of maximum tolerance towards supporters of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa during their protest outside the Senate.
This decision comes as Dela Rosa remains in Senate custody due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Glenn Oliver Cinco confirmed this approach in a statement.
Cinco emphasized, 'Maximum tolerance' will be the directive for officers monitoring the demonstration. However, he cautioned that any unruly behavior, such as violence or property damage, could lead to arrests.
Concerns had arisen over tensions between police and the senator's supporters regarding a truck carrying sound equipment for the protest. Cinco stated that the police would not permit the vehicle to obstruct the Senate entrance.
He added that the police's jurisdiction is limited to the area outside the Senate, and any incidents within the chamber fall under the Senate sergeant-at-arms. In addition, families of drug war victims are advocating for the Senate to not shield Bato dela Rosa from accountability, as detailed in the article 'Families of Drug War Victims Demand Senate Not Shield Bato dela Rosa'.
To ensure security during the protest, the SPD has deployed eight officers at the Senate entrance, along with 306 civil disturbance management personnel. Additional support will come from Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit officers and Special Weapons and Tactics officers.
Cinco expressed hope that tensions would not escalate further, stating, 'The rallyists are following the law so far.' Six mobile cars and 11 covert police officers have also been assigned to monitor the situation. Historical instances of senators arrested within Senate premises have raised concerns regarding the potential implications of this ongoing situation.