VP Duterte fears for her safety after arrest warrant issued

Vice President Sara Duterte said she fears for her life and the safety of her children following the issuance of a warrant for her arrest by a Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with grave threats charges.

Duterte said in a statement she had documented threats and harassment against her since 2023, adding that she was concerned about the safety of her children.

“I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them,” Duterte said.

The Vice President also claimed that police officers went to the location of her children even after she had left the area to appear before the court.

“Umalis na nga ako kung nasaan mga anak ko para pumunta sa korte pero pumunta pa rin ang pulis,” she said.

Duterte said she does not feel safe amid the developments.

“I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako,” she said.

Duterte's camp on Friday, September 4, confirmed that the Quezon City RTC had issued a warrant of arrest against the Vice President.

Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim, Duterte's counsel in the grave threats cases resulting from an investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), confirmed the issuance of the warrant.

In November 2024, Duterte said she had contracted an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were killed.

Duterte has maintained that her remarks were taken out of context and has challenged the legal proceedings against her.

The issuance of the warrant comes as Duterte continues to face separate political and legal challenges, including an impeachment case pending before the Senate.