The Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-13) denied on Monday that the increased police presence at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, commonly known as Davao International Airport, was related to the potential arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for “crimes against humanity.”

PRO-13 spokesperson PMaj Catherine Dela Rey clarified that the heightened security was part of routine measures and was not linked to any specific legal action against Duterte.

She explained that the increased police visibility was due to a scheduled simulation exercise (SIMEX) conducted by the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 11 in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.

“The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11 (RMFB 11 conducted a simulation exercise in relation to the upcoming National and Local Elections. It's a regular SIMEX, not related to any issues,” Dela Rey told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a Viber message.

She further emphasized that the PNP-RMFB routinely conducts operational response drills, especially since the unit has long been assigned to airport security.

“It’s a regular operational response by the RMFB because RMFB 11 is deployed at the airport,” she said in English and Filipino.

Meanwhile, PNP Public Information Chief PCol. Randulf Tuaño assured that the police force is prepared for any situation that may arise regarding Duterte’s ICC case.

Also, Tuaño said there was no order from the PNP headquarters in regards to possible arrest of the former President.

“But, the PNP is prepared for any eventualities,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a separate message.