PNP tightens security ahead of Duterte’s birthday

MANILA, Philippines — Police units nationwide have tightened security in anticipation of rallies marking the 81st birthday of former president Rodrigo Duterte tomorrow.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered field commanders to deploy PNP personnel in areas where Duterte’s supporters are expected to hold protest actions.

Laying the groundwork to ensure there is no violence in public assemblies, Nartatez said PNP units are coordinating with local governments and other agencies in security preparations.

“Our priority is to maintain public safety while providing a protected space for our fellow citizens to exercise their right to peaceful expression,” Nartatez said in a statement,

He said police officers would engage with rally organizers as part of the established practice of dialogue during major demonstrations, with the goal of fostering cooperation and preventing misunderstandings that could lead to violence.

Nartatez assured Duterte supporters that the PNP would enforce maximum tolerance and that police officers would only intervene if the protesters become unruly.

Duterte has been detained at the International Criminal Court facility in The Hague, the Netherlands for over a year.

He is facing charges of crimes against humanity, in connection with the killings and other abuses in his war on drugs.