CIDG to Award Medal to Police Officer Allegedly Hit by Honeylet Avanceña’s Cellphone
MEDALYA NG SUGATANG MAGITING – A female police officer who suffered a large bump on her forehead after allegedly being hit by a cellphone thrown by Honeylet Avanceña, the common-law wife of former President Rodrigo Duterte, will receive a medal, according to the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The incident occurred on Tuesday when authorities arrested Duterte based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In an interview with GMA News, CIDG Chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III stated that the injured officer would also be granted a three-day leave.
“Sa ngayon, bibigyan na lang namin ng Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting dahil may kasama ‘yung three days leave. Kaya ma-enjoy niya ‘yung leave na ‘yun dahil napukpok siya ni Honeylet sa ulo,” Torre said. The Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting is awarded to police officers injured in action as a result of an attack by an adversary.
Initially, the PNP considered filing a direct assault case against Avanceña for the alleged attack. However, Torre later stated that he personally would not pursue charges against Duterte’s camp. On Friday, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo confirmed that the officer decided not to file a complaint against Avanceña.
According to Fajardo, she spoke with Special Action Force (SAF) Chief Police Major General Mark Pespes regarding the officer’s decision. “Personal decision po ng pulis na huwag na pong magsampa ng kaso at ang reason niya ay kasama ‘yun sa hazard ng kanyang trabaho. Kaya okay lang,” Fajardo said. She added that the officer simply wants to recover and return to duty soon.
Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to make his initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) today, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. in Manila) before Pre-Trial Chamber 1. The hearing will be presided over by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera.