Police Officials Dismiss Rumors of Raid on Paolo Duterte's Residence as False
Police authorities in Davao City have firmly denied widespread reports alleging the serving of a search warrant at the home of Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte. The claims, which surfaced online, were labeled as entirely unfounded and misleading by top law enforcement officials.
Denial from Davao City Police Office
In a recent statement, newly installed Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Col. Peter Bauzon Madria clarified that the circulating reports had no basis in fact. Madria, who assumed his position on March 30, 2026, emphasized that no police operation occurred at Duterte's residence in Sitio San Pedro, Catalunan Grande, based on verified information from Police Station 3–Talomo.
He assured the public that the situation in the area remained peaceful, with no untoward incidents recorded. Madria strongly denounced the spread of misinformation, warning that such false reports could create unnecessary fear and confusion among residents. "We strongly denounce the spread of false information that may create unnecessary fear and confusion among our people. The Davao City Police Office assures all Dabawenyos that there is no cause for alarm," he stated.
Investigation into Fake News Sources
Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) Director BGen. Leon Victor Rosete also refuted the online rumors, describing them as "fake news." In an interview at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal on April 2, 2026, Rosete revealed that he had directed Madria to identify the source of the false report. He highlighted the potential for such misinformation to cause public confusion and announced that concerned units are actively tracing its origin.
Rosete issued a stern warning, noting that authorities would not take the matter lightly. "We will file the appropriate case. This is reminiscent of the surge in fake news we saw before the last elections—all of which we acted upon and filed cases for. We will do the same here," he asserted, referencing past legal actions against disinformation.
Paolo Duterte's Response from The Hague
Representative Paolo Duterte, currently in The Hague attending to matters related to his father's trial, slammed the alleged raid. He criticized the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and threatened legal consequences for those involved in what he called "invented" operations. Duterte dismissed the report as the work of a "bangag" (high) administration and alluded to a personal grudge from an individual he has known since 2017.
He warned that if any search operation were fabricated, he would file disbarment cases against the judges and lawyers involved. In a lighter moment, Duterte joked with relatives in Davao to secure his ginamos (fermented fish) and kusahos nga kabaw, fearing they might be taken by supposed "visitors." He also expressed gratitude to supporters who gathered outside his residence following the rumors.
Historical Context of Similar Allegations
This incident is not isolated, as similar claims of alleged raids have circulated online following the transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague. In March 2025, supporters gathered outside his residence after reports of a possible surprise raid, and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte previously criticized alleged search warrants for family residences, questioning their intent as harassment.
On April 30, 2025, Representative Duterte claimed that around 90 Special Action Force personnel and 30 PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group members from Luzon conducted an illegal search at his father's home, which Rosete denied, stating no such operation was planned.
Legal Ramifications for Misinformation
Authorities emphasized that spreading false information, especially when it causes public panic or damages reputations, may be punishable under Philippine law. This includes Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951, which penalizes the publication of false news endangering public order. Additionally, Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, imposes heavier penalties for online dissemination, including provisions on cyber libel.
The DCPO has urged the public to remain calm and rely only on official and verified sources, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining safety and security across Davao City amidst these false reports.
