Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday maintained that the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Direction Group (PNP-CIDG) strictly adhered to established protocols while serving an arrest warrant against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking at a press conference at Camp Crame, Remulla dismissed allegations of harassment made by Duterte, who posted bail before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) following the service of the warrant.
“It was coordinated very closely by the head of security and the CIDG. There was constant communication between parties. It was not a cloak-and-dagger na sinusundan namin,” Remulla assured, emphasizing that law enforcement maintained continuous contact with the Vice President’s security detail.
Addressing security concerns raised by the Vice President’s camp, Remulla clarified that the PNP extended full assistance and accorded Duterte the standard courtesies due to her position throughout the procedure.
“We made it clear that she will be accorded all the respect here. She will not be jailed and handcuffed, and she will be presented to court the next day,” Remulla said. “We gave them the option to come here, but they decided to go to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.”
To counter claims of intimidation, the DILG chief presented footage showing that the operation involved no tactical personnel or armed forces.
“In the service of the warrant, there was no SWAT; there was no armed component. The women [police personnel] are all unarmed. They were duly accepted into the residence and into the office,” Remulla explained. “Any thoughts of harassment during the service are totally untrue.”
He added that any CCTV footage recorded by the Vice President’s office or residence could be reviewed to verify the circumstances of the operation.
PNP-CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Alexander A. Morico II stated that CIDG personnel immediately went to Duterte’s office upon receiving the warrants on Friday afternoon to inform her directly and coordinate with her security team. While initial discussions indicated Duterte might stay at a PNP facility, her camp ultimately chose to proceed directly to the Quezon City RTC to post bail.
Remulla reiterated that police officers were merely carrying out a direct court order with professionalism, reiterating that law enforcement must enforce the rule of law without distinction.
“Law enforcement institutions must continue to perform their duties fairly and responsibly, regardless of the position or status of the person involved,” Remulla concluded.