Malacañang on Wednesday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's allegations that her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in what she described as "state kidnapping."
"What does she mean by that – state kidnapping? Well, I guess I have to stick with the word kidnapping. Anu-ano po ba iyong elements ng kidnapping? Pagkuha nang sapilitan nang walang awtoridad – iyon ang pinakasimple para sa taumbayan," Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a press conference.
"Unang-una po, paano po magiging kidnapping kung may warrant of arrest? It was issued by an authority, by the court," she added.
Castro emphasized that compliance with court orders is mandatory, especially in this case, where the action was carried out through Interpol.
She further pointed out that it is not permissible to turn away from or harm an authority figure, such as a sheriff, while they are performing their duties — such behavior is strictly prohibited.
"Kung ano po ang nandidiyan at ligal po na masasabi nating order from the court – we should abide by that," she added.
The official once again emphasized that the authorities had complete documentation regarding the arrest and that there was no evidence of kidnapping, as the arrest was not forced, but rather, the warrant of arrest was simply executed.
Speaking with the media on Tuesday evening, the Vice President urged the public not to allow any Filipino to be handed over to foreigners, especially when it violates the law.
Additionally, she described what happened to her father as a form of state kidnapping, implying that this is what seems to be occurring.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that former President Duterte flew to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand trial for crimes against humanity related to the war on drugs implemented during his administration.
The former President was arrested upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong at 9:20 a.m. at NAIA Terminal 3. He was subsequently taken into government custody at Villamor Air Base, where he remained before his flight.
