PNP denies ‘casing’ VP Duterte’s residence: ‘No truth to this’

FILE PHOTO: PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo answers questions from reporters after a media briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, in this file photo on April 25, 2023. INQUIRER.net /Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied allegations that its personnel attempted to “case” the residence of Vice President Sara Duterte, spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo disclosed on Tuesday.

In a social media post, Duterte claimed that PNP operatives attempted to “case” or loiter with no apparent lawful purpose around her residence and also tried to find the place she was renting.

“According to PNP leadership, there’s no truth to this,” Fajardo said in a press conference when asked about the reaction of the national police chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil, to Duterte’s four-page open letter posted on her social media account.

READ: Sara Duterte appeals protection for her family – physically or online

Fajardo added that she is not at liberty to disclose Marbil’s reaction, adding that the PNP top official is currently focused on his duties despite the “political noise.”

“Whatever issues our vice president wrote in her letter, it is better to address them silently, but the PNP is open to any dialogue to address any issue, including this concern,” she said.

On July 29, Duterte slammed Marbil for his alleged lies concerning the withdrawal of her police protection detail “immediately” after she resigned from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, her comment on his State of the Nation Address, and the circulation of the Chief Executive’s video online purportedly using illegal drugs.

READ: VP cries harassment, blasts PNP chief’s ‘lies’ over guards’ recall

She likewise called the removal of her 75 police security as a “clear case of political harassment.”

Earlier Tuesday, Duterte pleaded for protection for her family on Facebook, as she thanked Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, and Bong Go for backing her after the PNP removed its men from her security group.

For his part, Dela Rosa called on former police and army personnel to volunteer as security for Duterte.