AFP: Military personnel on Duterte's drug list ordered relieved

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) – Military personnel identified by President Rodrigo Duterte as allegedly having links with the illegal drug trade have been immediately relieved from their posts.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to the PNA Sunday.

"The commander-in-chief has already ordered their relief from whatever positions the named AFP personnel are holding and directed them to report to the chief-of-staff (AFP head Gen. Ricardo Visaya)," he added.

During a press briefing in Davao City from Saturday night until Sunday dawn, the President released the names of politicians, members of the judiciary, law enforcement and military personnel with alleged links to the illegal drugs trade.

These personnel will undergo administrative proceedings and will be charged, heard and judgement rendered on them as part of the due process, Arevalo pointed out.

READ: LIST: Public officials Duterte said are involved in illegal drugs | Duterte to give ‘narco officials’ due process

"We reiterate the AFP chief-of-staff General Ricardo Visaya's unwavering commitment to the commander-in-chief's drive of ridding the country, including our ranks, of any undue involvements in prohibited drugs," he added.

Arevalo said the AFP will be unrelenting in its campaign against illegal drugs.

"The full force of applicable military, criminal, and civil laws will be applied without letup," he added. – PNA/Priam Nepomuceno