PNP readies security for Duterte birthday rally in Davao del Norte

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it is preparing for the security of the birthday rally for former president Rodrigo Duterte in Davao del Norte later this week amid his detention in the Netherlands.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the event will be conducted at Rotary Plaza in New Corellia, Davao del Norte.

“Sa ngayon po ay nagkakaroon ng pagpupulong ang Police Regional Office 11 pa doon po sa Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) ng LGU po ng Davao para plantsahin po yung gagawin pong aktibidad relating po sa birthday po ng ating dating pangulo,” she said.

(Currently, the Police Regional Office 11 is holding a meeting with the PSSO of the Davao LGU to plan the activities related to the birthday of our former president.)

Fajardo said the PNP is waiting for information about the rally from PSSO to decide on the number of police deployment.

“As a normal procedure po ay maglalatag po ng kaukulang security coverage po ang PNP para siguraduhin po ang security and safety po ng lahat po na a-attend dyan po sa activity po na ‘yan,” she said.

(As a normal procedure, the PNP will deploy appropriate security coverage to ensure the security and safety of everyone who will attend that activity.)

Philippine authorities on March 11 assisted the Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

After his arrest, Duterte was transported to the Hague in the Netherlands.

Duterte on March 13 (Philippine time) entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he is set to be held while awaiting trial.

The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for September 23, 2025. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News