MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is prepared to assess and verify Vice President Sara Duterte’s security concerns after she publicly expressed fear for her life and said she no longer trusted the police or the courts.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units would continue monitoring the situation involving Duterte and her immediate family and would examine any documents, reports or statements she submits concerning alleged threats.
The development came after Duterte appeared at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Saturday, September 5, to post bail following the issuance of an arrest warrant over three counts of grave threats.
Before entering the courthouse, Duterte said she had documented alleged threats and harassment dating back to 2023. She also expressed concern for the safety of her children and repeatedly told reporters that she did not feel safe.
The vice president further questioned whether anyone would be held accountable if something happened to her while she was under police custody or supervision.
PNP: No verified threat reported so far
Despite Duterte’s statements, the PNP said it has not received a formal report from the vice president identifying a specific threat against her or her family.
Nartatez said the police have also not monitored any verified or legitimate threat that currently poses a danger to Duterte or her relatives. The PNP, however, emphasized that it remains open to receiving evidence or reports so the allegations can undergo proper verification.
The police chief said rebuilding trust requires demonstrating integrity through actual actions and assured that the PNP’s responsibility is to protect Filipinos fairly and professionally.
The PNP also said its personnel assisted Duterte during her court appearance and that she was able to safely arrive at and leave the Quezon City court.
Duterte posts P360,000 bail
Duterte posted P360,000 in total bail, or P120,000 for each of the three grave-threat charges. The court subsequently lifted the arrest warrant after she voluntarily appeared before the court and completed the necessary proceedings.
The criminal case stems from controversial remarks Duterte made during an online press conference concerning President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte has denied that her remarks constituted threats and has maintained that she will pursue available legal remedies.
Reuters reported that the case adds another major legal and political challenge for Duterte, who is also facing an impeachment trial before the Senate. The broader political conflict reflects the dramatic breakdown of the Marcos-Duterte alliance that helped both camps win the 2022 elections.
Palace insists police are enforcing the law
The Palace has also defended the PNP’s conduct, saying the police are carrying out their mandate according to law and without political bias.
The Philippine News Agency reported that Malacañang maintained that the police institution should not be treated as a political weapon and that law enforcement must operate within established legal procedures.
The Philippine Star likewise reported that the PNP has not monitored any verified threat against Duterte or her family, while noting that Duterte has said she has documentation concerning alleged harassment and threats dating back to 2023.
What happens next?
For now, the central issue is whether Duterte will provide the PNP with the documents or information she says she has regarding the alleged threats.
That could determine whether the security concerns develop into formal police investigations or remain unverified allegations.
The PNP says it is willing to examine the information. Duterte, meanwhile, has made clear that her distrust of law enforcement and the courts remains a major concern.
With the criminal case moving forward alongside her Senate impeachment trial, the latest dispute over her personal security adds another volatile layer to an already escalating political and legal confrontation.
For the moment, the PNP’s position is clear: it will monitor the situation, verify any reported threats and continue providing security while carrying out court orders. But whether that will be enough to restore Duterte’s trust in the police remains an open question.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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