PNP: Retired PNPA alumni free to express support for VP Sara

Philippine National Police Academy graduates who have retired from service have the right to express their support for Vice President Sara Duterte after the House of Representatives impeached her, the PNP said on Monday.

PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo made the remarks after the PNPA Class 1991 expressed "unwavering support" for Duterte, calling her impeachment a “blatant form of political persecution” meant to harass her office and tarnish her reputation.

Fajardo said that the statement reflected the views of most PNPA Class 91 members, except for three alumni who are still active in the police force and wish to remain apolitical and nonpartisan.

“Kinonfirm ko po yan sa mga miyembro po ng PNPA Class 91 at majority of them, except for three active PNP personnel, naglabas daw po sila. It was just a draft letter of support doon sa mga miyembro na ito na naglabas ng support sa ating VP Sarah Duterte,” Fajardo said in a press briefing.

(I confirmed with PNPA Class 91 members that, aside from three active PNP personnel, the majority released a draft letter of support for VP Sara Duterte.)

She emphasized that retired PNPA alumni are entitled to express their opinions.

“Karapatan po nila yan, katulad po ng mga ibang indibidwal at grupo na magpahayag po ng kanilang suporta, at hindi po natin saklaw yung nilalaman ng kanilang mga isip,” she said.

(That is their right, just like other individuals and groups who express support. We do not control their thoughts.)

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the fourth impeachment complaint against her. 

An additional 25 lawmakers signed the complaint, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

Duterte has stated she is preparing for trial but has no plans to resign or appear during the proceedings. — DVM/NB/BAP, GMA Integrated News