PNP: No security request so far for witnesses in ICC case vs Rodrigo Duterte

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not received any formal request for the security protection of the witnesses in the case filed against former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In an ambush interview, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force also had not received any communication from the international tribunal regarding the matter.

“Hindi ko kilala 'yung mga witnesses na 'yan. Wala rin na sulat ang ICC,” he said in an ambush interview.

(I don't know those witnesses. The ICC doesn't have any letters either.)

Asked if the PNP is ready in case the witnesses ask for security, Nartatez said that it depends on the situation.

“Depending on the situation, kami na mismo mag-a-act. But as of now, kaya ko nga tinanong who are the witnesses, and then we need to know who are the witnesses,” she said.

(Depending on the situation, we will act ourselves. But as of now, I asked who the witnesses are, and then we need to know who the witnesses are.)

“It is everybody's concern. Security is the concern of the Philippine National Police. Let us know kung sino yun at we will respond,” he added.

ICC prosecutors are asking for “in-court protective and special measures” for 55 witnesses from the Philippines and abroad from various security risks.

Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities in Pasay City and was handed over to the ICC on March 11, 2025.

He was flown via a chartered plane to The Hague, where he will be tried for crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs while he was mayor of Davao City and President of the Philippines.

The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026. —AOL, GMA News