CIDG chief files criminal complaints against Duterte for 'kill' and 'bomb' remarks

CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III has filed criminal complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his 'kill' and 'bomb' remarks targeting senators, aiming to build a case under the Department of Justice's new standards.

Torre emphasized that neither the Senate nor Malacañang instructed him to file these cases, asserting it is purely a matter of law enforcement without needing approval from either entity.

On Tuesday, February 18, Torre clarified during a press briefing at Camp Crame that filing complaints for inciting sedition and unlawful utterances against Duterte was based on his legal responsibility as CIDG chief and not due to external pressure or instruction.

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil gave his approval for Torre to proceed with the charges, stating it is time for Duterte to be held accountable for his statements.

The complaints stem from Duterte's recent remarks at a political rally where he suggested killing 15 senators to create vacancies for his party's candidates and promised police officers who carried out his orders during his drug war that he would take responsibility if they committed crimes.

Duterte's former legal counsel Salvador Panelo argued that these remarks were merely jokes, but Torre maintained they are 'not a joking matter' in the new Philippines.