Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) will increase police visibility around the Senate and nearby government facilities amid political tensions and concerns over possible protest actions and public disturbances.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP on Wednesday stated that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and concerned local police units have been directed to implement precautionary security measures around the Senate complex in Pasay City. "Our current posture around the Senate is one of heightened vigilance but calibrated restraint," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement. "We have already directed the RD (regional director of) NCRPO to maximize police visibility and establish strategic checkpoints around the Senate premises. Our deployment is strictly precautionary and proactive," he added.
Recent political developments have fueled public debate and raised the possibility of demonstrations near key government institutions. Nartatez said the increased police presence is intended to ensure public safety and allow government functions to continue without disruption, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. "The PNP remains entirely apolitical," he said. "Our sole mandate here is to maintain public order, manage traffic flow, and ensure that the Senate can conduct its vital legislative functions without any external disruption."
Aside from increasing visibility patrols, the PNP is coordinating with Senate security officials, local government units, and traffic management authorities to maintain a unified security posture in areas that may be affected by protest activities. Police units have also been ordered to conduct continuous threat and intelligence assessments while respecting lawful activities. Nartatez appealed to groups planning demonstrations to exercise their rights responsibly and peacefully. "We appeal to the organizers of these planned rallies to keep their activities peaceful and orderly. Do not allow your ranks to be infiltrated by provocateurs," he said. The PNP warned that any act of violence or vandalism "will be dealt with immediately and strictly under the law."
Meanwhile, the PNP assured the public that full transparency and strict compliance with legal procedures are being observed as former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan remains under medical care. Bonoan, arrested in connection with the alleged corruption in flood control projects, was initially confined to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame but was transferred to a private hospital on Tuesday night. "Our hospital is a level facility. We don't have enough equipment for some specialized care and tests," PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
Bonoan was returned to the PNP General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon after his arraignment at the Sandiganbayan was postponed due to elevated blood pressure. Medical personnel reported readings of around 170/100 during assessment. "However, later that day, laboratory results showed elevated heart enzymes which raised concerns for a possible heart condition. He was therefore closely monitored and referred to a heart specialist for further evaluation," Co said. "In view of these findings and considering his age and underlying hypertension, the report states that he was transferred in stable condition on the evening of June 2, 2026 to a private hospital for continued management and specialized care," he added.
Co said Bonoan will still be secured by the PNP until he is cleared to be detained in a normal detention facility. Nartatez said Bonoan's confinement would not affect the implementation of lawful court processes. "The PNP enforces court orders fairly and without favor. Former Secretary Bonoan surrendered voluntarily but required immediate medical intervention after a severe blood pressure spike during booking," he said. Nartatez said he has directed the PNP Health Service and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to "maintain full transparency, enforce tight security, and ensure that no special or 'VIP' treatment is extended." Bonoan is facing plunder and graft charges before the 5th Division of the Sandiganbayan which issued the arrest warrant.
