Senator Imee Marcos took a bold step on Friday by filing a chairman’s report with the Office of the Ombudsman. The report centers on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his transfer to The Hague to face charges linked to the deadly war on drugs.
In a formal letter, Senator Marcos revealed that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has uncovered serious allegations. She said high-ranking officials may have committed criminal and administrative offenses during Duterte’s arrest on March 11, which was carried out under the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest order.
The ICC had sought help from Interpol to serve the warrant, marking a dramatic chapter in Duterte’s controversial legacy. “I am respectfully submitting the Chairman’s Report on the Senate inquiry into the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his custody turnover to the ICC,” Marcos stated.
She is calling for a thorough investigation of the officials named in the report. She urged the Ombudsman to prosecute or sanction those found guilty under the law. Marcos admitted that the Senate hit roadblocks trying to gather witnesses, saying, “This effort is being obstructed in the Senate. We face difficulties in securing testimonies.”
The senator previously urged the Ombudsman to probe key figures involved, including Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, PNP Chief Police Gen. Rommel Marbil, CIDG Chief Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao.
“I believe the Ombudsman will act fairly and without fear in holding those responsible accountable,” Marcos assured.
In response, Justice Secretary Boying Remulla stood by their actions. “Ginawa namin ‘yung dapat gawin. We did what was right for the country. It’s our best judgment on what needed to be done,” he said.
This development adds new drama to the ongoing saga of Duterte’s controversial policies and his looming legal battles on the global stage. The nation watches closely as the investigation unfolds, with questions hanging in the air about accountability and justice.