PNP vows to address VP Sara Duterte’s trust, safety issues

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (left) and Vice President Sara Duterte (right) (Photos from Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook and INQUIRER FILE) MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured Vice President Sara Duterte that it would address her security concerns, monitor threats, and rebuild trust, following her statement that she no longer feels safe. On Saturday, Duterte said she fears for her life after an arrest warrant was issued against her for three counts of grave threats. Ahead of her arrival at the Quezon City Hall of Justice, Duterte said she does not trust the police, the courts, and even the security team assigned to guard her. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Sara Duterte at QC Hall of Justice: ‘I don’t feel safe’ “Rebuilding trust is a continuous process of demonstrating our integrity through our actions,” said PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Sunday. “We assure the public and our leaders that the PNP stands ready to protect every Filipino fairly and professionally,” Nartatez added. Concerned police units were instructed to continue monitoring and assessing threats against Duterte and her immediate family. The PNP also urged the vice president or her representatives to submit any documents or reports related to the alleged threats for verification and proper assessment. Article continues after this advertisement To date, the PNP has not identified any verified threat against Duterte or her family. On Saturday, the PNP provided security during her appearance before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court and confirmed she arrived at and left the court safely. Article continues after this advertisement While assessing Duterte’s safety concerns, the PNP stated it “enforces court orders lawfully, protects all citizens without political bias, and maintains professionalism in its operations.” The PNP said their “operations are conducted with utmost professionalism, impartiality, and absolute respect for individual rights without fear or favor.” A day after an arrest warrant was issued, Duterte posted P360,000 bail before a Quezon City court, securing her provisional liberty. READ: Sara Duterte posts bail: ‘I don’t trust the court’ Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The warrant stemmed from allegations that she made grave threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. /gsg