Mayor Baste Duterte files kidnapping case over alleged illegal arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte

Davao City, Philippines  (September 15) — In a dramatic escalation of the political and legal tensions gripping the country, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has filed a criminal complaint for kidnapping and arbitrary detention against several high-ranking officials of the Marcos Jr. administration. The complaint stems from the controversial apprehension of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 this year.

The 160-page complaint was officially received by the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao at 8:55 AM today, detailing what Mayor Duterte’s legal team describes as a “blatantly illegal and politically motivated” detention of the former president. The incident allegedly took place on March 11, 2025, when Duterte was taken into custody at the Mindanao Ombudsman’s office—reportedly ahead of his supposed surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Among those named in the complaint are: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, Former PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Felix Ty, Markus V. Lacanilao, Anthony D. Alcantar, Deputy Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, PNP Spokesperson P/Gen. Jean Fajardo.

According to the complaint, these individuals conspired to detain the former president without legal authority, violating his constitutional rights and circumventing proper legal procedures. The charges filed include kidnapping, arbitrary detention, and other related criminal offenses under Philippine law.

The case was filed by Atty. Israelito Torreon, a long-time legal counsel of the Duterte family, together with three other lawyers who jointly represented Mayor Baste Duterte.

The filing of this case represents a significant turning point in the ongoing ICC proceedings and highlights the growing divide between the Marcos administration and the Duterte camp. Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been under international scrutiny over alleged human rights violations tied to his war on drugs, a campaign now under investigation by the ICC.

Legal experts say the case could test the strength of constitutional protections for former heads of state and set a precedent for how international legal interventions are handled domestically.

Critics and political analysts warn that the complaint could deepen the rift between two powerful political factions, potentially destabilizing alliances ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. It also places the Marcos administration in a difficult diplomatic position as it balances domestic legal processes with international obligations.

The complaint also means, Justice Secretary Remulla’s bid to become the next ombudsman will be affected since he needs to get a clearance from the same institution to secure the position,

In an interview with Newsline Philippines, Atty. Israelito Torreon explained the legal team’s motivations behind the filing: “We have no other choice except to file it. We are hoping against hope, knowing that this is the only legal remedy available to us. Even if the tide is against us, we still hope for the best,” he said, emphasizing their belief that the complaint, though politically sensitive, is grounded in legal principle and necessity.

As of this writing, Malacañang has yet to release an official statement regarding the complaint..-Editha Z. Caduaya