PNP still on heightened alert status

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has maintained its heightened alert status following the arrest and departure of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PNP assured the public that “the overall peace and order situation across the country remains generally peaceful” after Duterte was flown to The Hague, the Netherlands, where he faces charges of “crimes against humanity” before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The heightened alert status was implemented at 5 p.m. on Tuesday after Duterte was arrested at 9:20 that morning. The PNP said the move was “part of standard security measures” to ensure the public safety amid the developments surrounding the former president’s arrest.

Police personnel were deployed to key areas across the country, with a focus on maintaining order and security. The PNP emphasized units remain on standby to assist as necessary and respond to any incidents that may arise.

Duterte, who faced an arrest warrant from the ICC since March 7, was taken into custody at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and transported to Villamor Airbase in Pasay City for processing.

The chartered jet carrying Duterte, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, a nurse, and a security team, departed the country at approximately 11:03 p.m. on Tuesday.

Following the news of Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the Netherlands, a large group of pro-Duterte supporters gathered outside Gate 5 of Villamor Airbase to express their opposition to the arrest and show solidarity with the former president.

The ICC charges stem from Duterte’s controversial war on drugs during his presidency, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths, including alleged extrajudicial killings.

Cebu holds protests

Meanwhile, political allies of Duterte in Cebu expressed disappointment over his arrest.

Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro told Daily Tribune the arrest was unjust, calling it “unfair” for a former president who had served the people for years.

“This can’t be called justice. This is not fair. If a former president who rendered service to the people is treated this way, how much more the ordinary Filipinos?” Baricuatro said.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “The people deserve transparency and a full understanding of the basis for this action.”

Mandaue City congressional district candidate Atty. Regal Oliva warned that the arrest could lead to political unrest, especially with the May elections approaching.

“If the Marcos administration moves to implement this, it will undoubtedly trigger legal battles, with the Supreme Court possibly stepping in,” Oliva said. “More than that, we cannot ignore the political repercussions—will this decision ignite unrest among Duterte’s loyal supporters? Will this be the start of yet another political crisis as we head into the 2025 elections?”

On Tuesday, Baricuatro and vice gubernatorial candidate Joselito Ruiz led Duterte supporters in a prayer vigil at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City.

Baricuatro disclosed that more mass actions will take place in Cebu, while the Hakbang ng Maisug Cebu party organized a noise barrage when the news broke that Duterte was being brought to The Hague, the Netherlands.

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