Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s longtime partner, Honeylet Avanceña, allegedly struck a member of the Special Action Force (SAF) with a cellphone during a tense moment following Duterte’s arrest in Manila, according to photos and a video released by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed that the injured SAF officer intends to file a direct assault case against Avanceña. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the extent of the officer’s injuries or whether Avanceña has responded to the allegations.
Duterte was taken into custody on Monday following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s controversial drug war. His arrest has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters condemning the move as politically motivated and human rights advocates welcoming it as a step toward accountability.
