No intent to disrespect Go during Duterte arrest – PNP spokesperson

Senator Christopher Go (center), an ally of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, faces the media as they wait for the arrival of Duterte at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11, 2025. —File photo by Jam Sta. Rosa | Agence France-Presse)

MANILA, Philippines — Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said she “did not intend to disrespect” Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go during the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte last March 11.

Fajardo made this statement in a recording sent to reporters in Camp Crame on Wednesday.

On March 11, she was spotted in Go’s live video as Duterte was being transferred from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) to the nearby Villamor Air Base.

In his video’s caption, Go said Fajardo was “avoiding” him when he asked if he could visit the former president, for whom he was a long-time aide.

However, the PNP spokesperson said in a mix of English and Filipino, “There was no intention whatsoever to disrespect him, and in fact, our honorable senator knows this himself.”

“We accept the statements of the honorable Sen. Bong Go, and even before the Senate hearing, I’ve spoken several times to ask for his forgiveness if we’ve offended our honorable senator in any way,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo explained that she had no authority to grant Go’s request to visit Duterte and that the decision was up to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.

Further, she detailed that she was supposed to join Marbil in a convoy, but the PNP chief had already left, so she had to rush to her own vehicle.

READ: Duterte’s arrest an affront to PH sovereignty – Sen. Bong Go

The PNP took Duterte into its custody on March 11, serving the former president a warrant for his arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ex-leader faces allegations of crimes against humanity for killings supposedly done during his bloody anti-narcotics campaign.

READ: ICC sets April deadline for Duterte case evidence disclosure

Official government data said at least 6,000 people were killed during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, but human rights watchdogs said the death toll could be anywhere between 12,000 and 30,000.

Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing was set for September 23, 2025.