Torre defends Duterte arrest anew: 鈥榃e did everything by the book鈥�
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III defended anew the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying they “did everything by the book.” File photo. Lyn Rillon
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III defended anew the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying they “did everything by the book.”
Torre, then a major general and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, led the enforcement of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Duterte last March.
“Until now, I really will insist that we did everything by the book. We did everything within the ambit of the law,” Torre said in an interview Wednesday night over dzMM.
The new PNP chief further said Duterte was given accommodations not usually given to individuals being taken into police custody, with negotiations lasting nearly 12 hours before the former president was taken to a jet to the Hague, the Netherlands.
“Under normal circumstances, hindi ganoon yun. He would’ve been hauled off to a vehicle that would bring him to jail,” Torre said.
(Under normal circumstances, that wouldn’t have been the case. He would’ve been hauled off to a vehicle that would bring him to jail.)
Duterte was arrested and turned over to face the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s drug war.
Human rights groups estimate that between 12,000 and 30,000 people were killed during Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign.
Marcos probe findings are ‘mere opinions’
Torre also addressed Sen. Imee Marcos’ recommendation to the Ombudsman to have him investigated over Duterte’s arrest.
After her Senate foreign relations committee’s probe, Marcos said Torre may be held liable for arbitrary detention, grave threats, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.
READ: Imee Marcos to Ombudsman: Probe gov’t execs who gave Duterte to ICC
In the radio interview, Torre said, “We are filing the appropriate pleadings in the Ombudsman. Hihintayin natin kung ano sasabihin ng Ombudsman regarding that matter.”
(We are filing the appropriate pleadings in the Ombudsman. We’ll wait what the Ombudsman has to say regarding that matter.)
“Hindi masabi ng Senate committee on foreign relations, ng chairman, na tama siya because she is not a judge. Ang kanyang na-find out at mga sinabi sa report na yun ay mga opinyon lang,” Torre said, without naming Marcos.
(The Senate committee on foreign relations chairman cannot say they’re right because she is not a judge. What she found out and said in that report of hers are mere opinions.)
‘Merit-based’
Torre also addressed speculation that his appointment as PNP chief was a “reward” for arresting Duterte.
Torre was announced as the next PNP chief in a Palace briefing by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last May 29, stressing that the selection was “based on merit.”
Torre reiterated Bersamin’s statement in the radio interview.
“I really cannot second-guess the reasons of the President for choosing me. Suffice it to say, I don’t question the wisdom of the President,” Torre added.
“I just thank him for this position and [the] trust and confidence that was given to me. And I intend na talagang gagampanan ko ito sa lubos ng aking makakaya,” he further said.
(I just thank him for this position and the trust and confidence that was given to me. And I intended to really fulfill my role to the best of my abilities.)
READ: Baste Duterte doubts Torre; PNP chief says Dela Rosa also jumped ranks
Torre formally assumed office as PNP chief last Monday.
