PNP ‘ready to respond to developments’ amid tension over Duterte arrest

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it is “ready to respond to developments” amid tensions following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As of today, the situation across the country remains under control,” the PNP said in a statement.

“The Philippine National Police continues to monitor the situation closely and is fully prepared to respond to any developments. Our personnel have been strategically deployed to ensure peace and security nationwide,” PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said in the same statement.

Duterte was arrested on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) by virtue of a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity for the thousands killed during his administration’s war on drugs.

The former president’s supporters called for his release, gathering at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City where he was held before being flown to The Hague, Netherlands via a chartered plane.

In anticipation of further protest actions in response to Duterte’s arrest, on Tuesday afternoon, the PNP ordered its regional offices and national support units to be on a “nationwide heightened alert.”