The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is prepared to respond and ensure peace in the country in case supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte stage protests following his arrest based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity.
“We cannot speculate on what will ensue. But for the side of the AFP, we are ready and prepared to augment as necessary when requested,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
“As a professional organization, the AFP adheres to the chain of command, and we remain focused on our mandate. However, together with the appropriate government agencies, we stand ready to reinforce efforts to uphold national security and stability when necessary,” she added.
This came as Duterte was placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, March 11, after he was served a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC, following his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong.
Duterte, his longtime partner, Honeylet Avanceña, other family members, and close allies arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 9:20 a.m. via Cathay Pacific flight CX907. They were escorted by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after meeting with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and supporters in Hong Kong a day prior.
Tight security was implemented at NAIA, with PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil personally ensuring peace and order at the airport. He was spotted with CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicholas Torre III, and representatives from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC).
Accordingly, Duterte initially refused to go out of the plane after being notified he would be served with an arrest warrant.
“You will have just to kill me kung ‘di ako papayag, kung kakampi ka dyan sa mga puti (if I refuse to exit, if you will take side with the foreigners),” Duterte could be heard in a video posted by ABS-CBN News while arguing with officials. Eventually he agreed to comply with the protocols.
PRAYERS
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go asked the public to pray for Duterte following his arrest.
“Sa mga kababayan po natin, maghinahon po kayo, keep calm. Ipagdasal niyo po si dating Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte. Ipagdasal muna natin. Importante sa kanya ang kasulugan,” he said in an interview.
Go also asked the government to ensure Duterte’s safety.
Go was refused entry at the Villamor Air Base where Duterte was brought after the arrest. He was there to bring food along with Duterte’s long-time physician, Dr. Agnes del Rosario.
“Aside from being concerned po, ‘yun naman ang pinangako ko sa kanya noon pa; mas importante po sa akin ang kalusugan niya,” he said.
In a Facebook live, Go said that Duterte complained of back pains last night and is scheduled for an undisclosed medical procedure by Wednesday.
He said that Duterte was with Honeylet Avanceña, their daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialde, and his nurse.
Go assured that Duterte will follow legal procedures since he is a lawyer.
DETENTION QUESTIONED
In a video posted on Instagram by Duterte’s daughter, Veronica, the former president questioned the basis for his detention by the PNP. Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel could be seen behind him.
“What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?” Duterte said. “Assure to me now the legal basis for my being here as I apparently was brought here not on my own volition. You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty.”
Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said it’s normal for the PAF’s facilities to be used as arrival or departure points for air movements.
“It is normal for PAF’s secured base facilities to be used as arrival or departure points for air movements of certain important personalities. For operational security, we however defer to the concerned government agency responsible for this activity to confirm and give specific details,” Castillo said.
Duterte is being investigated by the ICC due to his administration’s bloody “drug war” which he launched when he won in the 2016 national elections.
According to police records, around 6,000 drug suspects died under the Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign but human rights groups estimated the number could go as high as 30,000, including those killed vigilante-style by motorcycle riding armed men.
