Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday maintained that the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) followed established protocols in serving the warrant of arrest against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speaking at a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Remulla said the CIDG closely coordinated with the Vice President’s security team and maintained communication with her camp throughout the process.

“It was coordinated very closely by the head of security and the CIDG. There was constant communication between parties. It was not a cloak-and-dagger na sinusundan namin,” Remulla said.

The DILG chief made the statement after Duterte, who posted bail before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, raised security concerns and alleged harassment in connection with the service of the warrant.

Remulla said the PNP offered the Vice President protection and assistance and assured her camp that she would be accorded appropriate courtesy while the legal process took its course.

“We made it clear that she will be accorded all the respect here. She will not be jailed and handcuffed, and she will be presented to court the next day,” he said.

“We gave them the option to come here, but they decided to go to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court,” he added.

Remulla also presented footage of the warrant service, stressing that the operation was conducted without an armed or tactical component.

“In the service of the warrant, there was no SWAT; there was no armed component. The women [police personnel] are all unarmed. They were duly accepted into the residence and into the office,” he said.

“Any thoughts of harassment during the service are totally untrue.”

Remulla said any available CCTV footage from the Vice President’s office or residence may also be presented to help establish the circumstances surrounding the service of the warrant.

PNP-CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Alexander A. Morico II, meanwhile, said CIDG personnel proceeded to the Vice President’s office after receiving the warrants on Friday afternoon to formally inform her and coordinate the necessary arrangements with her security team.

He said the PNP also prepared appropriate custody arrangements after Duterte’s camp initially indicated that she may stay at a PNP facility. Her camp subsequently opted to proceed to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where she posted bail.

Remulla maintained that the PNP was simply carrying out a lawful court order and acted with professionalism throughout the process.

He stressed that law enforcement institutions must continue to perform their duties fairly and responsibly, regardless of the position or status of the person involved.