VP Sara Duterte, Col. Lachica face assault complaint over doctor obstruction

A police doctor filed a formal complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, Army Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, and two others for direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion related to an incident at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center on Sunday.

Dr. Van Jason Villamor of the PNP Health Service claims he was obstructed by Duterte's security detail during the transfer of her chief of staff Zuleika Lopez from the House of Representatives Detention Center to VMMC and later to St. Luke’s Medical Center.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed a criminal complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, Col. Raymund Lachica, and two unnamed individuals for direct assault, disobedience to authority, and grave coercion on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Video evidence showed Lachica physically pushing Villamor during the incident, according to PNP Chief Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who stated that the agency remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring accountability for all individuals involved.

The incident stems from ongoing investigations by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability into Duterte's office’s use of confidential funds, leading to Lopez being cited for contempt and ordered detained at the House.