The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday dismissed claims of military actions and unrest following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest over allegations of crimes against humanity.
“Speculations of military action or unrest have no basis. We remain solid and professional, unequivocally committed to the chain of command and the democratic institutions of the Philippines,” AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters.
Padilla also emphasized that the matter is strictly within the purview of law enforcement authorities and outside the military’s direct responsibilities.
Padilla assured the public that the AFP continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to respond to any threats that may arise.
Duterte was arrested by the Interpol on Tuesday acting on a warrant served by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has been investigating him over unexplained deaths and human rights violations related to his war on drugs.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday it stands ready to maintain the overall peace and order situation in the country in the wake of Duterte’s departure on Tuesday to The Hague in the Netherlands.
PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said that while the country remains “generally peaceful,” law enforcement authorities shall continue to monitor the situation closely and are “fully prepared to respond to any developments.”
The PNP also said there are sufficient police personnel deployed to secure all possible rally sites across Metro Manila amid threats of widespread protest actions from Duterte supporters.
Currently, police officers are securing the EDSA Shrine where former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque previously urged supporters of the former president to converge and air their grievances.
Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed calls from Duterte supporters to launch a “people power” movement, saying the government is simply upholding the law.
At a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro questioned the basis of such protests, emphasizing that Duterte’s arrest was backed by legal proceedings. She stressed that the case against Duterte was not fabricated but was a result of an ongoing international investigation.
Castro urged the public to evaluate the situation carefully, saying that Duterte’s own policies led to the ICC case against him. She also recalled Duterte’s past remarks regarding potential legal action against him.
Senate President Francis Escudero meanwhile cautioned politicians against using Duterte’s arrest to deepen political divisions ahead of the midterm elections. He also called for the ICC to respect Duterte’s rights and ensure due process in accordance with the rule of law.
Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, criticized the arrest as politically motivated and insisted that he should be tried in a local court.