The Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-13) refuted claims that the heightened police presence at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also known as Davao International Airport, was tied to any potential arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte over an International Criminal Court (ICC) case.
PRO-13 spokesperson PMaj Catherine Dela Rey clarified on Monday via Daily Tribune that the security boost was part of a scheduled simulation exercise (SIMEX) by the Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 11 in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.
“The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11 conducted a simulation exercise in relation to the upcoming National and Local Elections. It’s a regular SIMEX, not related to any issues,” Dela Rey said.
She emphasized that RMFB 11 has long been stationed at the airport and routinely conducts response drills as part of standard security protocols.
Meanwhile, PNP Public Information Chief PCol. Randulf Tuaño assured that while there is no directive from the PNP headquarters regarding Duterte’s possible arrest, the police force remains prepared for any situation.
“But the PNP is prepared for any eventualities,” Tuaño stated.
