PNP investigates VP Duterte over standoff, she plans countercharges

The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched an investigation on Wednesday into possible criminal liability involving Vice President Sara Duterte and her security staff over a standoff at the House of Representatives Detention Center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

Charges include violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code for Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority, along with other criminal and administrative offenses.

In response, Duterte said she would file cases against the PNP for alleged disobedience, robbery, and kidnapping during the transfer of her chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez from VMMC to St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) on Nov. 23.

The PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that they are ready to face any charges Duterte plans to file against them and will wait for the official copy of the charges before responding.

Fajardo maintained that their actions were in line with their duties as instructed by the House of Representatives, while the PNP has filed complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte and her chief of security for grave coercion, direct assault, and disobedience.