PNP denies disrespecting Senator Go during Duterte's arrest

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, a spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP), stated that she did not mean to offend Senator Christopher "Bong" Go during the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11. She made this comment in a recording sent to reporters. On March 11, Fajardo was seen in a live video by Go as they were at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Go, who has been a longtime aide to Duterte, claimed Fajardo was avoiding him when he asked to visit the former president. Fajardo clarified that there was no intention to disrespect him and mentioned that Go understands this. She noted that she couldn’t give permission for Go to visit Duterte, as that decision was up to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil. Fajardo explained that she was to join Marbil in a convoy but had to quickly leave in her own vehicle when he left. The PNP arrested Duterte on March 11 to serve a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The former president faces accusations of crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which reportedly led to thousands of deaths. Human rights groups have estimated the death toll from this campaign to be much higher than official government numbers, which state at least 6,000 people were killed. A hearing for the confirmation of charges against Duterte is scheduled for September 23, 2025.