PNP ready to arrest Rody drug war 'co-perpetrators'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to assist the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) again in case arrest warrants will be issued for former president Rodrigo Duterte's alleged "co-perpetrators."

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

While no such warrants have been issued, the police force has a "template" for handling the process if the need arises, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a dzBB radio interview yesterday.

"We don't want to preempt the process, but apart from the former president, there are others facing charges," Fajardo said in Filipino.

"Since Duterte's arrest has already been carried out, we now have a template to follow," she added.

Fajardo also reported that protests related to Duterte's arrest last week remained "generally peaceful" and were concluded without major incidents.

She said authorities anticipate more demonstrations in the coming days and have coordinated with organizers to ensure security.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) briefly returned to heightened alert status due to monitored rallies, but has since reverted to normal alert levels.

Meanwhile, Fajardo denied reports that police officers have resigned in protest of Duterte’s arrest.

“The female officer supposedly resigning in protest had already left the service and moved abroad with her spouse,” she said.