Ombudsman orders officials linked to Duterte arrest to file counter-affidavits

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered several high-ranking officials involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest to file counter-affidavits, and Marcos administration officials have confirmed they will comply with this order.

Senator Imee Marcos requested the Ombudsman to investigate these officials for potential crimes such as graft, grave misconduct, and arbitrary detention following Duterte's arrest on an International Criminal Court warrant in March.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, Crime Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and a special envoy from the Foreign Affairs department were given 10 days to file counter-affidavits in response to findings by the Senate foreign relations committee.

Respondents have maintained that they are upholding legal government actions and deny 'kidnapping' allegations made by the Duterte camp, while Vice President Sara Duterte called for accountability over her father's arrest, describing it as an impeachable offense.

Former President Duterte faces a charge of crimes against humanity at the ICC related to his war on drugs, with a confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23.