PNP Files Assault and Coercion Cases Against VP Sara Duterte: More Legal Challenges Ahead

Title: PNP Files Complaints Against Vice President Sara Duterte

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, and unidentified others. The charges include direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion. PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo highlighted that more cases may follow this initial filing.

These complaints arose after a situation occurred when Atty. Zuleika Lopez fell ill during her detention at the House of Representatives. Fajardo mentioned in a Super Radyo dzBB interview, “We expect to file additional cases beyond grave coercion, direct assault, and disobedience to persons in authority.” However, she did not specify the new cases being considered.

The PNP claims that the actions of Duterte’s staff interfered with the House’s detention order and disrupted operations at the detention center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). Specifically, they allege that VPSPG personnel aided in the “forced transfer” of Lopez from VMMC to St. Luke’s Medical Center using a private ambulance.

In response, Duterte announced plans to file her own complaints against the PNP for alleged disobedience, robbery, and kidnapping.

PNP Stance on Complaints

PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil stated that the complaints against Duterte and others are not politically motivated. He emphasized the PNP’s commitment to enforcing the law without bias, saying, "The filing of cases against any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, reflects our duty to the Constitution and the Filipino people." Marbil assured that fair legal processes are in place regarding the cases against Duterte.

Stay updated for further developments in this ongoing situation.