DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte here admitted on Thursday night, March 13, that he no longer trusts the Philippine National Police as well as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after they served the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, March 11, for alleged crimes against humanity.
Mayor Duterte issued the statement amid reports that police will reportedly implement a search warrant in his father’s residence here, Vice President Sara Duterte, and older brother Davao City Rep. Paolo.
MAYOR Sebasitan Duterte meets supporters in Davao City on Friday midnight, March 14. (Keith Bacongco)
As reports of the alleged implementation of search warrants emerged, Sebastian rushed to his father’s residence in Doña Luisa Subdivision where hundreds of supporters had gathered as early as Thursday afternoon.
“I have received the information that they (police) will raid the house. I have no problem with that, they can get inside and check. But the problem is that I don’t trust the police and our President anymore,” said the mayor, who was surrounded by hundreds of supporters.
The Davao City Police Office and Police Regional Office-11 denied reports on the implementation of search warrants against the Dutertes. Hundreds of Duterte supporters trooped to the former President’s house in a middle-class subdivision amid the denial.
According to them, they will not let the police come close to the former President’s house. The narrow streets of the subdivision were almost occupied with parked cars and motorcycles owned by supporters from this city.
One of the former President’s neighbors angrily vowed before the media that they would not let the police enter the house of the Dutertes.
But one of the mayor’s lawyers urged residents and supporters to remain calm as a search warrant is a legal document. Thus, they should not bar the police from doing its job, the lawyer added.
Former Deputy Mayor for Maranao Randy Usman said that they have volunteered to keep an eye on the former President’s house. “Even if we are fasting this Ramadan, it’s okay since we are doing this for common good, we have volunteered to help,” said Usman.
Since the arrest of the elder Duterte, hundreds of supporters have continued to gather and hold prayer rallies in different parts of this city. On Thursday night, hundreds of people gathered at Rizal Park for an indignation rally.
Dozens of electric-powered tricycles and other vehicles were also seen going around the city chanting “Duterte, Duterte, Duterte” and playing parody songs against Marcos on loud speakers.
While Mayor Duterte acknowledged the efforts of their supporters, he urged them to go home because they have lawyers to oversee should there be an implementation of a search warrant.
“I don’t like to see you suffer here on the street but still, thank you very much for all your support to us especially to my father,” Mayor Duterte said to their supporters, some of them vowed to spend a night outside their house.
Mayor Duterte said that they have verified information that search warrants have been issued targeting the residence of his father and his siblings.
“This blatant act of intrusion into our private spaces raises serious concerns about the intent behind these actions. The PNP PRO-11 has denied this, but after their inconsistent statements regarding PRRD’s situation, the public has every right to question the truth. What is their next move? This only adds to the growing concerns about harassment and intimidation,” Mayor Duterte said in a separate statement.
He chided the Marcos administration for the harsh treatment of his father that it is similar to martial law without an official declaration.
“That is why I urge every Filipino to remain vigilant. Stay well-informed, know your rights, and be ready to defend them. Now is the time to stand firm, protect one another from any abuse of power, and ensure that no Filipino is left vulnerable in these trying times,” he said.