PNP: Cases vs Sara not politically motivated

MANILA, Philippines —  The cases filed against Vice President Sara Duterte and her security personnel are not politically motivated but part of the Philippine National Police’s constitutional mandate to enforce the law impartially,  PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said yesterday.

“The PNP remains committed to its mandate to enforce the law without fear or favor. The filing of cases against any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, is a reflection of our duty to the Constitution and the Filipino people,” Marbil said in a statement.

He emphasized that the PNP’s inaction in enforcing the law could erode public trust in law enforcement.

“If we do not file cases against those accused, what will people say? The police are afraid; that the law is only for the poor. We cannot allow such perceptions to take root. Our duty is to apply the law to everyone, regardless of their standing, because justice is not selective,” he explained.

Marbil also highlighted lessons from past controversies of the police, particularly criticisms against the “tokhang” campaign of the previous administration, where law enforcement was accused of targeting marginalized communities.

“We refuse to let history repeat itself. The PNP is committed to protecting all sectors of society without bias or prejudice,” the top cop stressed.

He assured the public that legal mechanisms are in place to guarantee fairness and due process for all accused.

“Our laws must be observed, obeyed and upheld. This is our sworn duty as law enforcers. It is not about politics, but about ensuring accountability under the legal framework we all agreed to as a democratic society,” he said.

Marbil reiterated that the police “cannot choose whom to apply the law to or make exceptions based on affiliations or relationships” as they are mandated to protect and serve all Filipinos equally without prejudice or discrimination.

He urged the public to continue trusting the police in their efforts to maintain peace, order and justice in the country.

“Let us all remember that the rule of law is the foundation of a just and peaceful society. As the guardians of public safety, we remain committed to this principle for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he said.

The PNP earlier filed cases of grave coercion, disobedience to persons in authority and direct assault against Duterte, her security head Col. Raymond Lachica and several others following an incident during the transfer of Office of the Vice President chief of staff Zuleika Lopez from the House of Representatives to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center last Nov. 23.

JPE: People power ‘no bluffing matter

Meanwhile, the PNP maintained a peaceful presence around the EDSA Shrine yesterday as the gathering of the Vice President’s supporters entered its fifth day.

PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said that while the number of participants has significantly decreased, the police continue to monitor the area to ensure peace and order.

Around 200 personnel are monitoring the situation with around 20 participants joining the rally, according to the PNP spokesperson.

“Although this is a small number, we are still keeping an eye on them,” Fajardo said in an interview over dzBB.

The supporters had conducted a program until 1 a.m. to express their support for the Duterte family amid recent political developments between the Vice President and President Marcos.

Fajardo noted that no untoward incidents have been reported since the gatherings began late on Nov. 26.

However, the PNP emphasized that they would intervene if the demonstration disrupted traffic or public order.

The PNP said it will continue to maintain a presence around the shrine to uphold peace and order while respecting the public’s right to peaceful assembly.

Supporters of Duterte started to assemble at the shrine after Malacañang, the House of Representatives and various law enforcement agencies responded to the death threats Duterte made against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Meanwhile, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday said that people power is “no bluffing matter” as some supporters of Duterte continue to camp at the EDSA Shrine.

“My advice to the advocates of revolution or people power is to go ahead to a shop and buy your revolutionary or people power kit and start the game (that) you like if you really can do it,” Enrile said in his Facebook post.

“Revolution or people power is no bluffing matter. It is an ultima ratio, where there is no point of return. It is a zero-sum game. Either you win or you lose. That’s it,” he added.

He has earlier urged people who want a regime change to wait for the midterm elections next year.

People, he added, should not allow themselves to be led and “herded like sheep to the precipice by alarmist adventurers, who are pretending to be patriots with dubious agenda.”— Bella Cariaso