The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been placed on heightened alert and is preparing to deploy thousands of officers to apprehend former president Rodrigo Duterte following the issuance of a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), according to a highly reliable source.
The source, who is privy to the security preparations, revealed that at least 7,000 police personnel will be mobilized to locate and arrest Duterte, who has been under investigation by the International Criminal Court for the thousands of deaths associated with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The source added that security forces will be stationed at major entry points nationwide, including seaports and airports, in anticipation of Duterte’s return from Hong Kong.
However, the primary focus of the operation will be in Metro Manila and Davao, his home province. The number of officers deployed is expected to be twice as many as those assigned to last year’s manhunt for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy.
A high-ranking police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deployment.
“We are taking all necessary security precautions to ensure public safety and to uphold any legal obligations that may arise from the Interpol notice,” the official told the media.
A red notice is a request issued by Interpol to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and arrest an individual subject to an arrest warrant or court order from judicial authorities.
