QCPD files assault complaint vs Sara Duterte, OVP security chief

The Quezon City Police District files complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte and the head of her security group, Col. Raymund Lachica, for direct assault before the City Prosecutor’s office on Nov. 27, 2024 (Photo from the Quezon City Police District – Public Information Office)

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed direct assault complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and the head of her security group before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

The complaints stem from an incident during the transfer of detained Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff Zuleika Lopez from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) to the St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) in Quezon City on Nov. 23.

QCPD Medical and Dental Unit chief Lt. Col. Jason Villamor stood as the complainant.

The police alleged violations of the Revised Penal Code in relation to direct assault, disobedience to authority, and grave coercions by Duterte and Col. Raymund Lachica, head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).

Earlier, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said video evidence showed Lachica physically assaulting Villamor, saying the incident “could lead to a direct assault complaint.”

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Marbil added that he asked Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner to identify the members of the VPSPG involved in the incident.

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Lopez was hospitalized last Saturday after experiencing a panic attack, following the House of Representatives’ order to move her from the chamber’s custodial facility to a women’s prison.

She was rushed to the VMMC but moved to the SMLC.

Lopez was then transferred back to VMMC after being cleared by SMLC physicians by Saturday afternoon.