Malacañang on Saturday firmly assured the public that the Marcos administration will never allow the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be used as an instrument for violence, expressing confidence that the police force remains professional, impartial and guided strictly by the law.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the assertion in response to remarks from Vice President Sara Duterte, who expressed fear for her life and the safety of her children after law enforcers allegedly went to a location where her children were staying following the issuance of a warrant for her arrest.
“Ipinatutupad ng PNP ang kanilang mandato ayon sa batas, walang kinikilingan at ng walang halong pulitika kundi para bawat Filipino lamang. Nanatili silang professional sa pangangala sa mga karapatan ng lahat ng taong nasa ilalim ng kanilang pagprotekta,” Castro said. (The PNP carries out its mandate in accordance with the law—impartially, apolitically, and solely for the benefit of every Filipino. They remain professional in upholding the rights of all individuals under their protection.)
Castro emphasized that the administration maintains full trust in the PNP leadership and its officers. She urged anyone with grievances regarding police operations to address them through proper legal avenues rather than making unverified claims in public space.
“Nais rin namin ipaalala sa lahat na ang administrasyong ito ay hindi papayag na maging sandata ang kapulisan sa anumang karahasan,” Castro added. (We also wish to remind everyone that this administration will not allow the police force to be used as an instrument of violence.)
The Palace’s remarks came on the same day Vice President Duterte posted bail before a Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The court issued an arrest warrant against her on Friday over grave threat charges stemming from earlier public statements, in which she claimed to have instructed an assassin to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if any harm should come to her.
Following her court appearance, Duterte voiced distress over her personal security, stating that she felt compelled to separate from her children out of concern for their safety.
“I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako,” Duterte said. (I do not feel safe. I feel that I will be killed.)
The Vice President questioned the need for police presence near her children’s location, pointing out that she had already presented herself to the court to process her bail.
Malacañang maintained that all law enforcement actions related to the case are being conducted within the bounds of standard procedural guidelines.