18 hours Ago By Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Major General Nicolas Torre III are ready to answer and face all charges that may be filed against them over their participation in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his turn over to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, Netherlands. “They are prepared to answer any and all charges before any proper forum,” PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a press conference Wednesday, April 30, 2025. However, Fajardo reiterated that the PNP’s role in the arrest of FPRRD is to provide assistance to the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) for the implementation of a diffusion notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) against the former chief executive.
“They believe they acted within the bounds of law and within the mandate of their office,” Fajardo added. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of charges against Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Marbil, Torre, and Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes Ambassador Markus Lacanilao over FPRRD’s arrest and his immediate turnover to the ICC "without due process." The recommendation came following the panel’s inquiry on FPRRD’s arrest.
Marcos said Marbil should be charged with arbitrary detention; violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 for persuading Torre to perform an act in violation of laws, rules, and regulations or an offense connected to Torre's official duties; and grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public service. She said Torre may also be liable for the arbitrary detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; violation of RA 7438 for not allowing Duterte to be visited by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and for forcing Duterte’s lawyers to leave him; violation of RA 3019 for allowing himself to be induced or persuaded by Marbil and Remulla to perform an act in violation of laws, rules, and regulations or an offense connected to his official duties; and grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public service. Torre led the negotiation from the time of FPRRD’s arrest upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 until he was placed on a private jet that transported him to The Hague in the Netherlands, where he is currently detained under the custody of the ICC.
Earlier, Remulla said they only did what was good for the country. “This is a welcome development. Hindi naman tayo natatakot jan,” Remulla said when asked to react to the panel’s recommendation.
(TPM/SunStar Philippines).
