MANILA — The House prosecution panel urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen security measures at the Senate and ensure the protection of prosecutors, witnesses, personnel, and evidence ahead of the June 18 pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

House Committee on Justice Chairperson and lead prosecutor Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas said it remains unclear whether recent reports of a security threat and a Senate website defacement are linked to the impeachment proceedings.

In a press briefing at the House of Representatives, Luistro said authorities should act promptly to address any possible risks as key proceedings approach next week.

“You know, it’s hard to speculate if this is connected to the impeachment trial,” Luistro said. “What is clear, we have a schedule already for our first pre-trial conference on June 18, and that will be this coming Thursday.”

She said security concerns extend to those involved in the submission of the pre-trial brief on Monday, the pre-trial conference on June 18, senators, members of the defense team, and Senate officials and employees.

“So, I wish to express my concern about the security and safety of those who will be joining the filing of pre-trial brief on Monday, and those who will be joining the conduct of the pre-trial conference on Thursday, as well as all the senators, even the defense team, and the officials and employees of the Senate, who are staying in the premises,” she said.

Luistro called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure the safety of the Senate premises.

She said that if the incidents are proven to be connected to the impeachment proceedings, it would heighten the need for stronger protective measures, stressing that impeachment is a constitutional process of national importance.

Luistro also said the House leadership has begun coordinating security arrangements for prosecutors following reports from the NBI and the Senate website hacking incident.

She added that concern also extends to witnesses and evidence to be presented during the proceedings.

“And, of course, apart from this, we express likewise our concern in securing as well our witnesses and the evidence to be presented. There are ongoing communications already in order to address that,” Luistro said.