Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday that their involvement in the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte was limited to providing security for those tasked with executing the arrest warrant. This statement came in response to inquiries regarding the PNP's role in the operation that took place on Tuesday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo clarified that the police force was asked to assist by the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC). The request was for security support, which the PNP obliged, under the direction of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. The task was delegated to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Nicolas Torre III, who led the security efforts during the operation.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo emphasized that the PNP's role was strictly confined to providing security as part of the Interpol framework for the warrant's implementation. She highlighted that the PCTC executive director communicated with the former President about the warrant, and Department of Justice prosecutors were present during the event. General Torre, representing the PNP, ensured that security was maintained throughout the process.

Torre reported that the situation remained calm when the arrest warrant was served upon Duterte's arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City. Despite potential tensions, the PNP personnel adhered to their professional duties, maintaining composure and observing maximum tolerance, as instructed by General Torre.

Fajardo acknowledged the challenges faced by PNP personnel, including being subjected to harsh words. However, she stated that the officers were focused on enforcing their mandate, which they successfully accomplished. The PNP's adherence to their duties resulted in high morale among the officers involved in the operation.