PNP orders probe of group behind revolutionary government

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa has ordered an investigation of members of a group pushing for the establishment of a revolutionary government to be headed by President Duterte.

Gamboa directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to investigate the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC) after receiving reports that its proponents had also sent letters to other government agencies to attend a supposed assembly.

He warned the people behind the initiative that they could face arrest if there is strong evidence against them.

“I have directed the CIDG to investigate the individuals behind it and determine if there is any basis to file criminal charges leading to a possible arrest,” Gamboa said in a statement yesterday.

Gamboa earlier said he was invited by the MRRD-NECC to a meeting.

However, it did not materialize as the official copy of the group’s letter did not reach Gamboa’s office.

He reiterated, however, that they are not involved in any efforts to have a revolutionary government, saying that they are busy in helping the Duterte administration in addressing the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“Political stunts such as this are ill-timed, considering that we are in the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gamboa said.

‘Insane’

The call for the establishment of a revolutionary government is “insanity” and a “lunatic” statement,  Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said yesterday.

In an interview on ANC, Locsin slammed the statement of Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing calling for a revolutionary government as constitutional and “the people have a right to revolt, especially if the government can no longer serve the people’s interests.”

“I think that was really a lunatic statement. One, there is no such thing as a right to revolt,” Locsin said.

He referred to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s statement that “that’s not a matter of law.”

“That’s a matter of politics. OK, so finished. Now, he’s saying a revolutionary government is a right? No, it’s an abrogation of rights. It is the substitution of facts – if you can pull it off successfully – the substitution of facts over rights,” Locsin said.

The call for the creation of a revolutionary government to immediately effect change and establish a federal form of government is “unique in its insanity,” he added.

“It is a movement, a seditious movement to keep the government. Why would you do that? Why don’t you just form a cheering squad, stand outside the Palace, and clap?” he said.

President Duterte denied he had a hand in efforts by his supporters to mount a revolutionary government, saying he was not interested in instituting such changes. – Pia Lee-Brago