Former Philippine National Police chief and now Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III said Monday he has no regrets over his role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, stressing that he acted purely out of professional obligation.
Torre clarified that Duterte’s March 2025 arrest, carried out on the basis of a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, was done in compliance with legal processes and not driven by personal motives.
“Yun ay walang halong personal na motibo. Yun ay professional lang. Utos ng batas at kailangan dapat gawin,” he said in a radio interview.
He added:
“Ang papel ko sa pag-aresto at pagpapadala kay former President sa (The) Hague, ginawa ko lang naman yun bilang pagtupad sa tungkulin — professional, naaayon sa batas, walang halong personal na motibo. Ang papel ko lang ay ipatupad ang batas at hindi husgahan ang kaso.”
Duterte’s case is now moving forward, with the ICC set to begin its confirmation of charges hearing on February 23 to determine whether the 80-year-old former leader will stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs.
“Regarding sa confirmation hearings, malinaw sa atin na ito ay isang seryoso at formal na proseso ng batas at dapat ito ay igalang nating lahat,” Torre said.
Amid possible backlash, Torre said he is ready to face complaints, noting that none have succeeded so far.
“I would like to believe that opinions should be respected, but substantiating them in court is an entirely different matter,” he added.