PNP ready to assist Interpol in serving warrants vs DU30 co-accused
THE Philippine National Police yesterday said they are ready to assist anew the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in serving warrants of arrest that may be issued against the former president’s ‘co-perpetrators’ in his deadly war on drugs that claimed over 6,000 lives.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo said if arrest warrants are issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against others accused, police are always ready to assist the Interpol
However, she said they have no information yet on the other warrants to be issued by the ICC.
“Ayaw po nating pangunahan ang proseso. Although alam naman natin na maliban kay dating pangulo ay may mga kasama po siya doon sa mga nakasuhan. Pero tama po kayo, since nauna na nga itong naging pag-aresto sa dating pangulo, ay more or less may template na tayo,” she said.
“Ibig sabihin, kung saka-sakaling may lalabas at hihingin po muli ng Interpol ang tulong ng PNP ay nakahanda po ang PNP na mag-provide ng assistance at i-implement po natin itong warrant na ito according sa ating umiiral na batas,” the PNP spokesperson added.
‘PRO-DU30 RALLIES GENERALLY PEACEFUL
The PNP has described as generally peaceful the pro-Duterte rallies staged in several parts of the country including Metro Manila on Saturday.
According to Brig. Gen. Fajardo, police nationwide did not monitor any untoward incidents specifically in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila where supporters of the firebrand former President Rodrigo R. Duterte rallied to show their support to the latter who is now under the custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherland.
The official said those rallies ended up peacefully with many of the protesters dispersed past 11 p.m.
PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil earlier ordered the downgrading of their heightened alert status but gave concerned police regional directors the discretion to raise their alert level depending on the prevailing peace and order situation in their areas.
National Capital Region Police Office director, Brig. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said they tightened their watch in Metro Manila amid the pro-Duterte rallies which he said ended up peacefully. Duterte supporters held a motorcade in different parts of the metropolis followed by a vigil and interfaith prayer asking for the return to Manila of their leader.
The official early Saturday morning conducted unannounced inspections at key locations in Manila including the Ermita and Barbosa, Quiapo Police Station, Lawton and Mendiola Police-Community Precincts and the Manila Police District Mobile Force Battalion’s 2nd Public Safety Company to check the preparations of his men.
“With rallyists expected to gather, our responsibility is to maintain public order while honoring their right to express themselves. These inspections solidify our commitment to proactive policing—ensuring visibility, preparedness, and readiness to safeguard everyone’s safety,” Brig. Gen. Aberin said.
Brig. Gen. Fajardo said they are expecting more pro-Duterte rallies in the days to come although she reminded leaders of the protesters to coordinate with the police and local government units to ensure their safety and security specifically in so-called Freedom Parks.
Fajardo, meanwhile, denied information circulating on social media that several police officers have resigned in support of Duterte.
“Fake news lahat ito. Kaya nga paalala palagi natin na maging discerning po tayo, mapagmatyag tayo, huwag nating paniwalaan lahat ng mga napapanood natin at naririnig sa social media (These are all fake news, that’s why we always appeal to everybody to be discerning and vigilant, and not to believe anything they see on social media,” she said. With PNA
