PNP records raps against Duterte, security personnel and staff

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, a POLICE doctor filed a complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and three others over the confusion during the transportation of Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez from the House of Representatives Detention Center to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) over the weekend.

Lt. Col. Dr. Van Jason Villamor filed a complaint against Duterte before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office; Colonel Raymund Lachica, head of the Vice Presidential Security Protection Group (VPPSPG); and two other John Does in connection with an alleged violation of Art. 148 of the Revised Penal Code or direct assault; Article 151 of the RPC, i.e. disobedience to authority; and art. 286 RPC, i.e. serious coercion.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brigadier General Jean Fajardo showed video footage of Duterte and Lachica pushing Villamor, refusing to obey the House of Representatives’ order to accompany Lopez to the VMMC.

“Dr. Jason Villamor, serves as assigned to QCPD. He was given special instructions to personally help a patient at Dalhin Siya doon sa Veterans Hospital. However, when it comes to the safety of Vice President Sara and Colonel Lachic, we cannot pass this up. Of course, this could be classified as a case of direct assault. In fact, puwede itong masabi na qualified for direct assault because he is also a public official,” she said.

“Malinaw sa ating mga batas na kung ikaw ay public official, and you raise your hands against the agents of a person in power whose presence there is due to his official duties. He was ordered to help the patient and yet he was met with curses, but he maintained restraint with Hindi pumatol, as can be seen in the video on tinulak siya mismo,” she added.

Lopez was detained at the House of Representatives after the House Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability held him in contempt on November 20 for alleged “unwarranted interference” in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the use of Office of the Vice President funds (OVP).

Citing security concerns after Duterte spent the night in the House of Representatives building accompanying Lopez, who is her chief of staff, the panel ordered her transferred to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City.

Lopez then became hysterical and later felt unwell, prompting authorities to take her to the hospital.

However, instead of being taken to VMMC as ordered by the House panel, Lopez was taken to St. Patrick’s Medical Center in a privately rented ambulance. Luke accompanied by Duterte.

Lopez was later transferred to VMMC.

In a statement, PNP General-in-Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil said he had formally requested the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner, to provide the identities of the VPSPG personnel who reportedly assisted in the “forcible transfer of Atta. Lopez from VMMC to St. Luke’s Medical.” The center uses a private ambulance that they have hired.”

“In the video that came to light, VPSPG chief Col. Raymund Dante Lachica was seen physically pushing and attacking the PNP physician-in-chief, which may result in a direct assault complaint,” Marbil said.

“The rule of law is fundamental to our democratic system. No one, regardless of position, should be above responsibility. “The PNP remains committed to ensuring the proper execution of lawful orders and protecting public order,” he added.

Marbil urged everyone to follow legal processes and cooperate with authorities.

“As public officials, we have a duty to obey the law and set an example. Resistance and disobedience to the authorities not only violates the law, but also undermines public trust,” he said.

However, he assured the public of an impartial and thorough investigation.

“We will ensure that due process is followed and that the law is enforced without bias… Let this be a reminder that justice must prevail and that no one is above the law,” Marbil added.

The top cop reiterated the PNP’s commitment to fully cooperate with the legislative and judicial bodies to address the matter and ensure accountability.

He also called on the public to remain vigilant in protecting democratic principles and the integrity of governance.

Duterte is shocked that he cursed out President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife First Lady Liza Araneta and House Speaker Martin Romualdez and revealed that she was already talking to someone who would hunt them down and kill them if she died first.

The authorities are investigating the vice president’s responsibility for her actions. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)