Palace denies threats against former President Duterte

Malacañang clarified recently that it has not received any reports of threats against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. 

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed claims made by Vice President Sara Duterte, who alleged that her father’s life was in danger. Castro refuted the claims and emphasized that Duterte remains in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. 

“Iyon nga po nakakapagtaka eh. Saan po ba nakukuha itong mga kuwento na ganito? Saan po nakukuha ang pagkukumpara kay dating (Sen.) Ninoy Aquino? Saan nakukuha iyong mga threats,” Castro questioned. 

When asked if Duterte faced any imminent danger, she firmly stated, “Wala pong katotohanan iyan.” 

Castro further noted that even the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has not received reports of any threats against Vice President Duterte. 

“Hanggang ngayon iyong sinasabing threats kay VP Sara, hindi pa rin po naipapakita sa NBI at saka sa PNP (Philippine National Police),” she said. “Kailangan po natin kasi na mga materyales, na mga ebidensiya bago po magsagawa ng ganitong mga klaseng statements.” 

Duterte was taken into ICC custody on March 11 after an arrest warrant issued by the court was executed by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). He is currently detained at the ICC Headquarters in The Hague, awaiting trial for crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on illegal drugs. 

Vice President Duterte previously warned that her father could suffer the same fate as the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines on August 21, 1983, at what is now known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport.