Sara Duterte Reiterates Distrust in Police, Interior Secretary

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday once more stressed her lack of trust in the police and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, whom she described as subservient to the administration. “Wala kaming tiwala sa iyo, Jonvic Remulla, at sa mga pulis na sunod-sunuran sa isang korap na pamahalaang pinamumunuan ni Marcos,” in a statement posted on Facebook. (“We do not trust you, Jonvic Remulla, nor the police who are subservient to a corrupt government led by Marcos.”) Duterte’s remarks were made after Remulla said he and the Philippine National Police (PNP) knew her whereabouts amid an arrest warrant issued to her by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC RTC). Remulla said they decided not to implement the warrant of arrest despite knowing her location the night before. The Vice President said his pronouncement only proved the Marcos administration’s surveillance operations and harassment against her. She further cited the PNP as among the government agencies involved. “Ang mga salitang ito ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla ay tila nagpapatibay sa mga dokumentong matagal na naming hawak hinggil sa harassment at surveillance operations ng Philippine National Police at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno laban sa akin,” she insisted. (“These statements by Secretary Jonvic Remulla appear to corroborate the documents I have long held regarding the harassment and surveillance operations conducted by the Philippine National Police and other government agencies against me.”) The Vice President even questioned how police personnel came for her family after allegedly locating her. “Isa lamang ang malinaw na sagot—upang takutin at sindakin ang aking pamilya,” she said. (“There is only one clear answer—to frighten and terrorize my family.”) Duterte said that, while she recognizes the jurisdiction of the PNP, she still won’t surrender herself out of fear for her safety. She said that the authorities cannot guarantee that she will be protected while in detention and in police custody. “Higit sa lahat, huwag nating kalimutan ang ginawang pagkidnap ng Philippine National Police kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Pati na rin sa marami pang ginagawang harassment ng pulisya sa mga sibilyan,” she added. (“Above all, let us not forget the kidnapping of President Rodrigo Duterte by the Philippine National Police, as well as the many other acts of harassment committed by the police against civilians.”) Duterte further said government funds should be used to pursue and convict criminals, including public officials who accept suitcases containing the people’s money. The Vice President posted bail early Saturday at the QC RTC for three counts of grave threats, where she told the media her worries regarding her and her family’s security. The case stemmed from Duterte’s alleged death threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in 2024.