Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) formally filed complaints on Wednesday against Vice President Sara Duterte, chief security detail Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, and several other staffers following events that unfolded at the House of Representatives over the weekend.
Duterte and her team were facing allegations of direct assault, disobedience and grave coercion. The complaint was sworn before Assistant City Prosecutor Rommel Delos Reyes at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.
In a press conference, PNP spokesperson and Public Information Office chief Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the case emanated from a clash between Lt. Col. Jason Villamor—a doctor assigned to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD)—and Lachica. The incident was caught on video.
This developed after lawyer Zuleika Lopez, Duterte’s chief-of-staff, was being transferred from a detention facility at the Batasan Pambansa to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) on Saturday, November 25.
“He (Villamor) was specifically instructed to assist the patient and will be brought together to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, but he was shoved away by Col. Lachica… We cannot let this pass,” Fajardo told reporters.
Fajardo said the incident qualifies for a case of direct assault since Villamor is a public officer. “He (Villamor) was directed to assist the patient and yet he received some cursing, but he exercised self-restraint,” she noted.
PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil earlier confirmed asking the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III to review possible charges against the camp of the Vice President after the incident.
In a statement, Marbil said the PNP “remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold justice and ensure that all individuals are held accountable under the law, regardless of their position.” He added they trust and respect the courts to conduct a fair and impartial probe regarding this issue.
“The PNP continues to prioritize the rule of law and will fully cooperate with the ongoing legal proceedings to ensure transparency and accountability,” the PNP Chief noted.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “PNP readies possible charges against VP Duterte, security personnel.”
