AFP ready to respond to threats after Duterte’s arrest

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said the military is prepared to respond to threats following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said that while Duterte’s arrest is a matter of law enforcement and outside the military’s direct purview, the AFP is focused on its core mission of ensuring national security and maintaining stability.

“While the security situation remains stable, the AFP is actively monitoring developments and is prepared to respond appropriately to any threats to peace and order,” Padilla said.

“We assure the public that we maintain a high state of readiness,” she added.

Padilla also advised Filipinos to observe restraint and uphold the rule of law. 

She encouraged them to prioritize unity and allow the legal processes to unfold in connection with Duterte’s arrest.

“We have full confidence in our institutions to handle this matter with due diligence,” she said.

Padilla, meanwhile, also dismissed speculations that there was an alleged military action or unrest in the country. According to her, the AFP is still “strictly professional” and “non-partisan.”

“Speculations of military action or unrest has no basis,” she said.

“We remain to be solid and professional, unequivocally committed to the chain of command and the democratic institutions of the Philippines,” she added.

On Tuesday morning, authorities served a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

The plane carrying Duterte departed the Philippines on Tuesday evening heading to The Hague in the Netherlands.

The aircraft arrived in Dubai at 8:03 a.m. Wednesday (Manila time) for a layover. —VAL, GMA Integrated News