MANILA – Honeylet Avanceña, the partner of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing accusations of assaulting a police officer during the tense standoff surrounding Duterte’s arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Avanceña allegedly hit a female Special Action Force (SAF) officer with a mobile phone as authorities moved to take Duterte into custody on Tuesday. The officer, who was assigned to restrain Avanceña and her daughter, has since been discharged from the hospital and is preparing to file charges.

“Meron po tayong mga video na magpapatunay na pinukpok po ni Ms. Honeylet ‘yong isang pulis po natin na babae na sila po ang nag-restrain doon po kay Ma’am Honeylet at sa kanilang anak para po ilayo pansamantala or mag give way,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Thursday.

‘Tensions and Emotions Were High’

Speaking at a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo confirmed that video footage supports the allegations against Avanceña. Images released by the PNP show the officer with visible head injuries, reportedly sustained in the incident.

“Tensions and emotions were high,” Fajardo said, adding that police exercised “maximum tolerance” despite verbal abuse from Duterte’s supporters during the operation.

“Lahat po ng pagmumura, lahat po ng panlalait ay tinanggap po ng mga kapulisan during that time pero we exercised maximum tolerance po at wala pong nasaktan sa hanay po nila at nirespeto po lahat ng karapatan nila, including po ‘yong pagbabasa po ng Miranda Rights, pagbibigay po ng due consideration doon po sa medical needs ng ating dating pangulo,” Fajardo stated.

The former president was flown to The Hague, Netherlands, where he will face charges related to the country’s controversial war on drugs.

Former Executive Secretary Medialdea Also Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea may also face legal repercussions for allegedly obstructing Duterte’s arrest. According to the PNP, Medialdea attempted to delay the police operation and was briefly handcuffed before being released on “humanitarian grounds.”

“They insist of not allowing po ‘yong mga pulis po natin na lumapit po sa ating dating pangulo para matapos na po at madala na po siya sa bus na magdadala po sa eroplano, he refuses to accede to the request that is why no less than Gen. Torre ay hinawakan na po siya at binasahan na po siya ng kanyang karapatan na he has the right to remain silent and he is being charged for obstruction of justice po,” Fajardo said.

The PNP is currently reviewing whether to file charges against Medialdea.

PNP Dismisses Resignation Rumors, Clarifies Viral Video

The police force has also refuted social media reports suggesting that multiple officers resigned in protest of Duterte’s arrest. Fajardo reiterated that the PNP remains a nonpartisan organization and has not received any formal resignations.

“The PNP is a nonpolitical and nonpartisan organization,” she stressed. “We respect their views but in airing these views po while you’re inside the PNP, short of saying you are a partisan already, and then di po sa tingin po tama po.”

Additionally, the PNP addressed a viral video showing an officer wiping their face during Duterte’s arrest. Fajardo clarified that the officer was not crying, as some online users claimed, but was merely sweating due to the tense situation.

Arrest Conducted ‘By the Book’

The PNP has firmly denied accusations of excessive force during Duterte’s arrest, stating that the operation was carried out in full compliance with the ICC warrant.

As the legal and political fallout continues, Duterte’s detention—along with the charges against his close associates—marks a significant moment in Philippine history. With proceedings now underway in The Hague, the former leader faces the possibility of standing trial for alleged human rights violations during his presidency.

📷 SAF