The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, assured that its ranks will remain professional despite the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a press briefing, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla emphasized that the military adheres to the chain of command and will remain aligned with the appropriate government agencies.
Furthermore, the AFP expressed its readiness to assist in ensuring a peaceful process for the arrest, which was led by INTERPOL with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“We adhere to the chain of command and we remain focused in our mandate. However, together with appropriate government agencies, we stand ready to reinforce efforts to uphold national security and stability when necessary," said Padilla.
Before the arrest, the AFP was drawn into political matters when former President Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exchanged heated remarks.
In November of last year, the former President called on the AFP and the PNP to intervene and address what he referred to as the "fractured governance" under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership.
However, Duterte clarified that he was not encouraging a coup but was simply urging the AFP to declare that they were "out" of the administration's actions and would no longer participate in any of them.
Malacañang then condemned the statement, emphasizing that Duterte should respect the current administration and not undermine it. They also urged Duterte to stop acting irresponsibly, as he has been.
Duterte is currently at the Air Force military base in Villamor after being arrested by authorities at NAIA Terminal 3.
