The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed its readiness to address the complaint filed by Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte regarding the arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last March, according to RH 52 Edniel Perrosa's report.
The former president is currently under investigation for alleged human rights violations committed during his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, Chief of the Public Information Office (PIO), stated that they are currently waiting for instructions regarding their next course of action.
Among the respondents in Mayor Duterte's complaint are the two former chiefs of the PNP and its former spokesperson. The complaint further lists several high-ranking government officials.
Mayor Duterte's lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon confirmed that they filed the complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao earlier this morning.
The individuals mentioned were charged with kidnapping, arbitrary detention, qualified direct assault, expulsion, and usurpation of judicial functions under the Revised Penal Code. They are also being accused of violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Furthermore, Mayor Duterte earlier voiced strong opposition to the ICC's move, calling it an affront to Philippine sovereignty and a political attack against his family.
It may also be recalled that he expressed deep concern over what he described as a blatant intrusion into private spaces, suggesting that such actions raise serious questions about the motives behind them. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond a personal attack on his family, highlighting that it affects all Filipinos who care about justice and fairness.
While the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the international tribunal maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the country was still a member. The former president and his allies have repeatedly denied the allegations and rejected the ICC's authority.
Moreover, Remulla dismissed the complaint filed by Acting Davao City Mayor in connection with the alleged surrender of the former President to the ICC, calling it an act of “forum shopping” that attempted to block his nomination as Ombudsman.
