DABAWENYOS woke up to confusion and concern on Sunday, March 9, 2025, as a sudden and heavily armed police operation unfolded at Davao International Airport.
The Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-Davao) conducted a Simultaneous Exercise (Simex), deploying police vehicles and armed units in the area since midnight. While authorities described it as a routine security drill, uneasy locals speculated otherwise—questioning its timing and whether it was linked to mounting rumors of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
"I don't know why they had to make such a big show. It feels like it's all connected to the rumors about Duterte. They should have been more transparent with us," said a 42-year-old resident of Bugac, Barangay Maa who declined to be identified. "Something feels off. It’s as if they’re gearing up for something far beyond a routine drill."
The speculations were fueled by reports of a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) over alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations during his 2016–2022 administration. Rumors circulated that security forces were preparing for a high-profile event involving Duterte.
“I don’t understand why they need to do this. It looks like they are preparing for something political, not a real emergency,” added Jas Garcia, a 25-year-old resident of Barangay Toril. “Are they expecting something to happen with Duterte? It just feels like there’s more to this than they’re telling us.”
Local resident Anrelo M. Santos, 30, voiced his skepticism. “We just want to know the truth. If it’s really just a security exercise, why make it so conspicuous? We deserve more clarity.”
Just a drill
In response, PRO-Davao reassured the public that the Simex was a standard security procedure.
Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, the Davao police spokesperson, said such exercises are conducted to assess and improve emergency response capabilities.
“So these activities are regular. This shows that we are committed to be ready for any eventualities that may arise in our AOR. Sa Simex kasi makikita kung ano ang need i-enhance or improve (These activities are routine and part of our commitment to preparedness. Through Simex, we identify areas that need enhancement),” she stated.
She clarified that the RMFB, responsible for airport security, organized the drill independently, with details withheld for security reasons.
Dela Rey also said in an interview with SunStar Davao on March 10 that the exercise was also part of preparations for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
She added that the augmented officers’ full battle gear was standard procedure and emphasized that similar exercises would be conducted at major terminals in Davao later this year.
“This is part of our 100-day security preparations for the midterm elections. It has nothing to do with any political event or the ICC issue. We have received no reports supporting that claim,” she said.
Despite these assurances, Davao City First District Councilor Luna Acosta, Chairperson of the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, questioned the lack of prior coordination with local authorities. She argued that such exercises should be properly communicated to avoid public confusion and concern.
Dela Rey, however, clarified that some security drills are not publicly announced, depending on the scenario and operational requirements.
Dutertes in HK
Meanwhile, the situation gained further attention after reports confirmed that FPRRD and Vice President Sara Duterte were in Hong Kong. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) stated that Sara was attending a Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) event, meeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Wan Chai.
FPRRD, who reportedly left for Hong Kong on March 7, was spotted there, further fueling speculation about an ICC arrest warrant. According to The Standard, a Hong Kong-based news outlet, he was seen in Causeway Bay, accompanied by bodyguards.
Presidential Communications Office chief Jay Ruiz also addressed the matter, stating, “We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued against former President Duterte for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality."
However, Palace spokesperson Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that Malacañang had not received confirmation from the ICC or Interpol regarding such a warrant.
No red notice
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao Region (Caap-Davao) has assured the public that airport operations remain normal, with no incidents, security threats, flight disruptions, or maintenance issues.
"The airport remains operational as usual. All of our flights are scheduled, and there is nothing unusual occurring at the airport," said Caap-Davao general manager Engineer Rex Obcena.
Meanwhile, on March 10, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago dismissed reports that the bureau had received an Interpol Red Notice against Duterte. His statement came in response to claims that such a notice had been issued, suggesting that FPRRD could face arrest upon
arrival at either Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) or Davao International Airport (DIA).
The unverified report further claimed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had been placed on heightened alert and was preparing to deploy thousands of officers in response to the alleged Interpol notice against Duterte. It suggested that up to 7,000 police personnel would be mobilized to track down the former president, with security forces positioned at key entry points, including seaports and airports, particularly in Metro Manila and Davao, Duterte’s home province.
ICC probe
The ICC launched its investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs in September 2021, citing credible evidence of widespread extrajudicial killings during police operations.
Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.
FPRRD has repeatedly dismissed the ICC’s authority, insisting that legal proceedings should be handled domestically.
“The office has an ongoing investigation in relation to the situation in the Philippines. Confidentiality is a crucial part of our work and is essential to protect the integrity of the investigations and to ensure the safety and security of victims, witnesses and all those with whom the office interacts,” the ICC said in a March 10 statement.
While an unverified Red Notice has fueled speculation, Duterte’s refusal to engage with international legal bodies may complicate any efforts to enforce such an order.
The ICC’s probe has intensified political debate in the Philippines. While Duterte’s supporters view it as foreign interference, human rights advocates continue to push for accountability, citing thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the former president’s legal fate and the extent of international jurisdiction over his administration’s actions.
Former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, a counsel for drug war victims at the ICC, confirmed that no official information had been received regarding an arrest warrant. “We haven’t heard or received anything, but under the Rome Statute, a warrant can be issued after the investigation or before charges are filed,” he explained.
As the ICC’s investigation continues, Duterte remains the only individual named in an Interpol Red Notice. Notably absent from the notice is Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief during the peak of Duterte's war on drugs. Despite facing criticism for overseeing the campaign, Dela Rosa has not been targeted by formal arrest warrants or Red Notices from the ICC. DEF