Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) formally filed complaints on Wednesday against Vice President Sara Duterte, her staff, and security detail for direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion following the events that unfolded at the House of Representatives over the weekend.
This developed after PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil confirmed they were investigating the incident involving lawyer Zuleika Lopez, Duterte’s chief-of-staff, who was rushed to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) from her detention center at Batasan Pambansa.
Lopez was cited for contempt by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and detained for initially five days, which lawmakers later extended to 10 days due to alleged disruptions.
The investigation followed claims that members of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) facilitated the unauthorized transfer of Lopez from the VMMC to St. Luke’s Medical Center using a private ambulance.
Marbil disclosed that VPSPG head Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica was caught on video allegedly pushing and assaulting a PNP doctor. This incident “could lead to a direct assault complaint,” according to the PNP Chief.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), under Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, reviewed the applicability of criminal and administrative charges, which were filed before the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
The PNP also sent a formal request from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to identify other VPSPG personnel allegedly involved in the incident.
Reports suggest that the VPSPG’s actions may have obstructed lawful detention orders from the House of Representatives and disrupted operations at the VMMC and the House Detention Center.
“The rule of law is fundamental to our democratic system. No one, regardless of their position, should be above accountability. The PNP remains committed to ensuring the proper execution of lawful orders and protecting public order,” Marbil said.
The PNP assured the public of a fair investigation, with charges determined based on evidence. “We will ensure that due process is followed, and the law is enforced without bias,” Marbil said. “Let this serve as a reminder that justice must prevail, and no one is above the law.”
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “PNP readies possible charges against VP Duterte, security personnel.”
