CIDG chief files case to Duterte over killing remarks

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Rodrigo Duterte is the target of a complaint lodged by Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

This came after Duterte's contentious statement that senators ought to be assassinated to create room for fresh contenders from his PDP-Laban party.

In his filing of charges for unlawful utterances and inciting to sedition, Torre emphasized that such remarks should no longer be accepted in the "new Philippines," citing the killings that took place during the government's war on drugs as evidence that similar rhetoric during Duterte's presidency resulted in actual violence.

Duterte's supporters, including former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo and Senator Ronald dela Rosa, dismissed the comments as jokes.

Panelo called the lawsuit "foolish," claiming that even in light of democracy, free speech is permitted.

Additionally, he implied that Duterte's remarks were only an overblown recognition of the power of the opposition contenders.

In support of their position that the statement should not be interpreted as a call to action, Panelo claims that the senators themselves did not take the remark seriously.

Nonetheless, Torre maintained his resolve to bring the case, emphasizing his responsibilities as the head of CIDG, a citizen, and a law enforcement official.

He reaffirmed that no one is above the law, especially powerful public personalities, regardless of who says such things.

Torre also clarified that his actions were only driven by legal considerations and had no political motivation.

Even if they are later deemed to be jokes, he believes that public personalities should be held responsible for remarks that have the potential to inspire violence.