Chiz hits Duterte clan's attempts to involve AFP in issues
MANILA, Philippines — Did Vice President Sara Duterte suggest that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) should have clashed over the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte?
This was the question raised by Senate President Chiz Escudero during a press conference on Monday, March 24. The Senate had earlier conducted an inquiry into Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, with his allies in the upper chamber questioning the legality of his detention and subsequent turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Sara Duterte made a virtual appearance at the hearing from The Hague, where she criticized the AFP for allowing her father’s arrest to proceed. Her participation was a surpruse to many, as she was not listed as a guest for the hearing and has a history of avoiding congressional inquiries.
Several days later, Escudero expressed confusion over Sara’s remarks. He noted a pattern among members of the Duterte clan to appeal directly to the military on various issues.
“Ano'ng gusto niyang palabasin? That soldiers and police fight? (What outcome does she want? [Na] magbabangayan ang sundalo at pulis?)" Escudero said in Filipino.
"It’s clear: the AFP was merely assisting in a law enforcement operation. The AFP cannot oppose or clash with the police during such operations. Why are we forcing conflict between the two?” Escudero added.
He added that while politicians may have disputes, it is not the military’s role to intervene or act as an arbiter. The AFP's position is to remain neutral, he said, upholding both the law and its chain of command, which places the president at the top of the ladder.
A recurring appeal. The Senate president also pointed out what he described as repeated attempts by the Duterte family to involve the military in controversies.
Rodrigo Duterte has previously been accused of attempting to incite sedition by allegedly encouraging military personnel to act against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stopping short of calling for rebellion.
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, who attended the Senate inquiry, spoke on that matter, reiterating that the military must not act independently of civilian authority.
"If we were to question those orders even under color of law, under color of right, then it would amount to the armed forces acting unilaterally on its own, which is an anathema of civilian authority over the military," Teodoro said.
Sara Duterte is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, accompanying her father as he faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s drug war, which claimed an estimated 6,000 to 30,000 lives.
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