PNP says it only assisted in serving Interpol notice vs Duterte
(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it was only “assisting” the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC) in implementing the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) notice against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
This statement came amid outcry from Duterte who cried illegal detention.
“The Philippine National Police assisted the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) this morning in implementing an Interpol Notice for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) from Hong Kong on March 11, 2025,” the PNP said in a statement.
“The PNP remains committed to assisting in lawful processes while maintaining peace and order. In fulfilling this role, the organization upholds its duty to enforce the law with professionalism and adherence to due process,” it added.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the warrant for Duterte’s arrest for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Malacañang said it officially received the arrest warrant from the ICC early Tuesday morning.
The PNP said it deployed 379 police officers at Naia and other key locations to “ensure a peaceful and orderly process” as Duterte arrived in Manila from Hong Kong on Tuesday morning.
Additionally, it said PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III were present at Naia to oversee security.
Duterte was in Hong Kong over the weekend for a Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) senatorial candidates’ sortie with overseas Filipino workers.
Last November, the PNP said it was ready to assist the Interpol in enforcing an arrest warrant against the former president because it was “bound by security protocol.”
In August, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Philippines was still part of the Interpol despite pulling out of the ICC.
Remulla, however, later maintained that the Interpol must go through the country’s court system to enforce an arrest warrant from the ICC.
