THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) XI confirmed that Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) personnel are still deployed at the Davao International Airport, adding that no red notice directive from the Philippine National Police was received.
This is amid the alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte
When asked about the period of the deployment, Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson for PRO XI, said, “I’m not privy to the timeline.”
On Sunday, PRO XI denied that the increased police presence at the Davao International Airport was related to the alleged ICC arrest warrant for Duterte. Instead, authorities maintained that it was part of a routine simulation exercise.
Prior to the interview, a TIMES source reported that the police arrived on Sunday on board two mobile RMFB patrol vehicles and a 6×6 truck.
In a separate report, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is said to be on heightened alert and preparing to deploy thousands of officers to arrest Duterte following the issuance of a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
According to reports, at least 7,000 police personnel are being mobilized to arrest the former president, who is under investigation by the ICC for thousands of deaths linked to his anti-drug war.
When asked about the matter, Major Dela Rey responded, “I have no information about the police being on heightened alert. We are prepared for any eventualities in line with our mandate but for now, we remain focused on our security preparations for the upcoming National and Local elections.”
As of this writing, PNP personnel remain stationed outside the Davao International Airport.
When asked to confirm a red notice [from ICC] and if the PRO XI has received such a directive? Dela Rey said “Negative po.”
When asked if it’s true also if it’s not ICC warrant, inciting to sedition case filed by CIDG chief Maj Gen Nicolas Torre III against Duterte, allegedly there will be a warrant that will issued tomorrow [Tuesday] timely the return of Duterte from Hong Kong, Dela Rey answered,” No information po about that.”
On Sunday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz did not confirm whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity but acknowledged reports on the matter.
“We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC against former President Rodrigo Duterte,” Ruiz said.
The government assured that it is prepared for any developments regarding the warrant.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said his office has not received any official communication or notice from the ICC regarding a warrant.
PRO XI clarifies false info on social media
Meanwhile, the PRO XI categorically denied the misleading and false information circulating online.
“The public is urged to refrain from spreading unverified reports that may cause unnecessary panic and confusion,” it said in a statement.
“The recent activity at Davao International Airport (DIA) was a Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) conducted by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11 (RMFB 11) as part of the 100-day operational procedures in preparation for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE),” the statement added.
The regional police said the exercise was designed to enhance the readiness of law enforcement in handling various scenarios, including potential security threats and unforeseen events that may arise at any time.
“The public is encouraged to rely on verified sources for accurate information and to report any misleading content that may incite unnecessary concern,” it said.
In a Facebook post, Councilor Luna Acosta said, “As the Chairperson of the Committee of Peace and Public Safety here in Davao, our office was not informed of any simulation exercise (SIMEX) to be conducted. As far as we know, there was no prior coordination with any office of the City Government of Davao, contrary to the practice already established in previous exercises.”
“If there is a SIMEX in Davao, we hope that all involved agencies will coordinate with the City Government. Peace and public safety is a shared responsibility and all activities should be well coordinated among different agencies of the government,” Acosta said.
“We urge Davaoeños not to panic but to keep vigilant at all times,” he added.
