PNP: Police deployment in Davao part of Eleksyon 2025 preparations

The reported police deployment at the Davao airport is part of the Philippine National Police's security preparations for Eleksyon 2025 and is not related to the reported issuance of a warrant of arrest on former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court.

“Nakausap po natin yung mga taga Davao and according to them yung mga movement ng ating mga ka pulisan doon ay just part of the simulation exercise relating sa kanilang security preparation for Davao,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told reporters.

“We have to stress that this is not only for Davao, even yung other regions nagko-conduct ng simulation exercise or innovation exercise as part of security preparation for the election. This has nothing to do doon sa mga issues relating doon sa alleged issuance of warrant of arrest ng ICC,” she added.

(We talked to the Davao police and according to them, the reported police movement is part of their simulation exercise relating to their security preparation for Davao, like in other regions, for the elections. This has nothing to do with the issue on the alleged issuaunce of warrant of arrest of the ICC.)

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor had refused to comment on the alleged arrest warrant against Duterte.

Meanwhile, Malacañang has not received any information regarding the alleged Interpol Red Notice against the former President.  

Fajardo also denied reports that there are 7,000 police personnel deployed to serve the arrest warrant against Duterte.

However, she said there have been talks in the PNP regarding the possible ICC arrest.

“Wala pa po tayo sa ganoong estado but siyempre napag-uusapan po yan (we’re not yet in the status to deploy our personnel but of course there are talks about it), because we’re hearing some news and the PNP, is looking at the development with respect sa possible issuance against the president,” she said.

Fajardo also said the PNP has no plans yet to raised alert since there have been to official issuance of the arrest arrest.

“Wala po tayo sa ngayon plano na magtaas ng alerto at wag natin pangunaahn yung proseso but on the part of the PNP we are prepared for any eventualities in case na may tulong na hinihingi sa atin ang Interpol,” she said.

(We have no plans to raise an alert and we are waiting for the process. On the part of the PNP we are prepared for any eventualities in case the Interpol asks for any help.)

On Sunday, Duterte maintained that his actions as president were aimed at ensuring peace and order in the country as he addressed reports of the alleged ICC arrest warrant against him. 

"Ano man ang kasalanan ko, ginawa ko ‘yun para magkaroon ng konting katahimikan at mapayapa ang buhay ng Pilipino," he said during his speech in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

(Whatever my sins may be, I did them to bring some peace and security to the Filipino people.) –Celine Serquiña/NB, GMA Integrated News

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