A storm just hit Manila. The Ombudsman has spoken. Five of the Philippines’ most powerful officials are now in the hot seat. They have only 10 days. Ten days to answer explosive charges about former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. If they don’t, the investigation will move forward without their side.
This urgent order targets big names:
- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
- Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla
- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil
- PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Nicolas Torre III
- Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao
Why are they in trouble? Senator Imee Marcos blew the whistle. Her committee looked into Duterte’s arrest. She says they found serious wrongdoing by these high-ranking officials. “We uncovered acts…which very likely constitute criminal and administrative offenses,” Marcos stated.
The Accusations Are Heavy
Senator Marcos believes Justice Secretary Remulla might have overstepped. She said he could be liable for “usurpation of judicial functions.” This means acting like a judge. He also faces charges of serious misconduct.
His brother, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, is also accused. Charges include breaking anti-graft laws and “Arbitrary Detention.” That means holding someone without proper reason.
Police Chief Marbil faces similar “Arbitrary Detention” claims.
Investigator Torre is accused of “Arbitrary Detention” too. And “Grave Threats.”
Envoy Lacanilao faces a list: “usurpation of Official Functions,” lying under oath (“False Testimony” and “Perjury”), and misconduct.
This all ties back to March 11. That’s when former President Duterte was served an arrest warrant. The warrant came from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is looking into alleged crimes against humanity. These crimes are linked to Duterte’s tough war on drugs.
The Senate Probe Dug Deep
During one hearing, Investigator Torre admitted something startling. He said force was needed to arrest Duterte. Why? Because Duterte’s camp wouldn’t go willingly. This was after a whole day of trying to convince them.
In another tense hearing, Envoy Lacanilao was cited for contempt. The Senate panel said he lied. He kept saying he didn’t know. He didn’t know if Duterte went to a local court before being flown to the Netherlands.
Duterte Himself Has Made Shocking Statements
Last year, he told lawmakers he killed people. He said he killed six or seven people when he was Davao City mayor. He said he “roamed the city waiting for the chance to kill criminals.” He even admitted planting evidence. He called his own words an “extrajudicial confession of guilt.” He dared the ICC to investigate him quickly, saying he might die before it even starts.
The human cost of the drug war is staggering. Official reports say at least 6,000 people died. But human rights groups fear the real number could be much higher. Some say it’s closer to 20,000.
Now, Duterte is in The Hague, Netherlands. He attended an ICC pre-trial hearing by video call.
Back in the Philippines, the five officials face that tight 10-day deadline. Their answers could shake the government. The nation watches. What will they say?
Reshuff PH
Latest News In The Philippines brought to you by Reshuff PH
2 Responses