Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on Monday filed criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing several high-ranking government officials and police officers of misconduct in connection with the March 11 arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a detailed 160-page affidavit, Duterte named key government officials as respondents, including Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior Secretary Juan Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.
Also cited in the complaint were former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and other officials from the police and justice sectors.
The charges outlined include kidnapping, arbitrary detention, grave misconduct, qualified direct assault, expulsion, and usurpation of judicial functions. Administrative charges for grave misconduct were likewise filed.
According to Duterte, the arrest violated both national and international laws, particularly in the manner his father was detained upon returning to the Philippines from Hong Kong.
The complaint further alleges that the former president, along with family members and former government officials—including ex-Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea—was accosted by law enforcement officers upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Authorities presented an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against FPRRD, transmitted via Interpol. However, the former president and his legal team contested its validity, arguing that it did not comply with Philippine law,” the affidavit stated.
It claims that Duterte and his entourage were forcibly taken to Villamor Air Base, held under heavy security for several hours, and eventually flown to The Hague in the Netherlands without due process.
The complaint also asserts that FPRRD was denied immediate medical attention despite suffering from a serious diabetic condition.
Lawyer Israelito Torreon, representing Duterte, argued that the authorities’ actions violated several legal principles.
“We outlined the reasons for filing the cases and explained why the respondents cannot invoke the regularity of their performance of duty,” Torreon said.
He emphasized that the warrant used was not a red notice but merely a diffusion notice, rendering the arrest unlawful.
The complaint includes multiple counts of kidnapping, arbitrary detention, direct assault, and violations of both the Anti-Torture Act and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Torreon cited several legal frameworks allegedly breached by the government, including the 1987 Constitution, the Rome Statute (Article 59), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 8 and 9), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 9).
“Kaya hindi po nila pwedeng sabihin na may regular performance of duty lang ‘yung ginawa nila. Kidnapping po ‘yun, arbitrary detention, and commission of other crimes,” Torreon said.
He reiterated that the actions constituted grave offenses under Philippine law.
Torreon also referenced Supreme Court rulings affirming the Ombudsman’s authority to act on complaints against former officials, provided the alleged misconduct occurred during their tenure.
Meanwhile, Acting Mayor Duterte affirmed his resolve to pursue justice for his father, who remains detained at the ICC facility and is unable to file the charges himself.
