Sara Duterte disputes security reliability amid claims of political targeting

Vice President Sara Duterte has raised concerns regarding her personal safety and the reliability of her security detail, alleging that she received private assurances from former AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in 2024. Duterte claims Brawner assured her that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not take action against her or her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and that any potential arrest orders would be communicated to her.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has disputed Duterte’s claims of harassment during the service of a warrant, stating that police presence at her residence was standard deterrence and that no SWAT teams were involved. Remulla challenged the Vice President’s camp to provide CCTV footage to substantiate any allegations of misconduct.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro noted that while Duterte has not officially requested the withdrawal of her security detail, she maintains the right to do so if there is a loss of trust and confidence. Duterte previously expressed apprehension regarding her security, suggesting that personnel might have been selected by the Marcos administration.