PNP-CIDG chief files sedition charges against Duterte over 'kill' remarks

PNP-CIDG chief BGen. Nicholas Torre has filed complaints of inciting sedition and unlawful utterances against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his 'kill' remarks about incumbent senators.

The charges were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, Feb. 17, as part of a 'case buildup' process under DOJ Circular No. 20.

Torre emphasized that the PNP-CIDG does not require a private complainant to file the case, and that neither the Senate nor Malacañang instructed him to do so.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil approved the move, telling Torre to 'go ahead and do your job.'

Torre stated that the PNP would operate strictly within legal boundaries despite criticism that the case was politically motivated.

Torre cited a past case in which a public school teacher was arrested for offering a P50-million bounty on Duterte's life when he was still president.

Duterte made the 'kill' remarks during a PDP-Laban proclamation rally in Manila last week, suggesting killing incumbent senators in a bomb blast to make room for his preferred candidates.

Torre explained that he filed the case to hold Duterte accountable for his remarks, which he views as unlawful and inciting sedition.

Torre emphasized that the statements clearly outline violations of laws, which cannot be dismissed as mere jokes or legal opinions, especially given Duterte's public prominence.

Torre defended his decision, stating it is time to hold Duterte accountable for abandoning police officers who followed his orders during his term, referencing the death of Kian delos Santos and Duterte's past statements to soldiers.