CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III confirmed on Thursday that he denied Vice President Sara Duterte’s request to see her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, before he was flown to the Netherlands for his detention.
During a Senate foreign relations committee hearing, Torre told lawmakers that the visit was blocked due to timing and protocol. “Yes, sir, I did prevent the request… I did deny the request of President Duterte for him to allow VP Sara to enter,” Torre told Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. “Kasi nga naman, mag alas-diyes na nu’n, and that’s already around 12 hours after we first got him into custody. The VP had all the chances to be with the [former] President earlier that day.”
Torre said they were expecting the Vice President earlier. “Alas-tres pa lang, may information na darating siya. And kung gusto talaga nilang pumasok, puwede naman sir eh,” he added.
The issue drew further attention when Senator Imee Marcos raised questions over the supposed restrictions, noting that other members of Duterte’s family were allowed access to the tarmac while the aircraft door remained open. Torre responded, “Tumayo ang balahibo ko nu’ng nakita ko, andiyan ata si VP Sara, si [Senator] Bong Go, nakapasok na… bakit hindi sila sumabay sa tarmac, bukas pa naman ang pintuan.”
Senator Cayetano cited Republic Act 7438, which ensures visitation rights from immediate family or medical personnel during detention. He also pointed out that Duterte’s personal doctor was denied access.
Torre defended the decision, saying, “We have substantial doctors… I think we have complied with [RA] 7438.”
Former President Duterte was arrested on March 11 for crimes against humanity and transported to the Hague Penitentiary Institution two days later. His daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, had earlier criticized authorities for allegedly blocking necessary medical attention for her father, presenting a doctor’s note indicating ongoing treatment for diabetes.
Under RA 7438, violations of detainees’ rights can result in four to six years of imprisonment and a fine of ₱4,000.
