Gibo: DND, AFP had no role in Duterte arrest

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) and the military had nothing to do with the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. maintained yesterday.

“The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have no law enforcement mandate,” he stressed in a statement.

“Our sole mandate is to give support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) when it is asked for. And therefore, such ends our jurisdiction,” he said. 

Teodoro issued the statement after being alluded to as among those who allegedly planned Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Vice President Sara Duterte has also expressed her concerns over how the military has been very silent in all that has happened to the former commander-in-chief.

“The operation is clearly a law enforcement one, and the Philippine National Police has the power to ask the armed forces to assist,” Teodoro noted.

“And that is the extent of the participation of my department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. And all other matters in supporting the Philippine National Police are governed by operational security,” he said.

The AFP earlier repeatedly insisted that it will not get itself involved in politics and that its officials and personnel remain non-partisan and loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command.

“The AFP remains a professional, unified and non-partisan institution, committed to its constitutional mandate of defending the nation and serving the Filipino people. Our personnel continue to remain focused on our sworn duty, upholding the rule of law and the chain of command,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

Loyal to country, flag

Amid the conduct of the PNP during the recent arrest of former president Duterte, Sen. Bong Go called for respect and truthfulness from government institutions, particularly uniformed personnel.

During Thursday’s Senate hearing on the circumstances of Duterte’s arrest, Go lamented the treatment he received from PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo at NAIA.

“But it is disheartening, Madam Chair, that when I was at NAIA, as you can see in the video, I simply asked the PNP spokesperson where we should go since (PNP) chief (Rommel) Marbil said to go to the 250th (at Villamor Air Base). I approached your spokesperson and I wasn’t given a response. They ran away from me,” he recounted.

He noted that as a public official following proper procedures, he should have at least been given a response.

“As your spokesperson, I would just like to ask for a brief response. A little respect would go a long way. We are following the law, so it shouldn’t be too much to ask for respect and, above all, the truth,” Go said, pertaining to Fajardo.

“To be honest, BGen. Fajardo has lied several times. I hope, Ma’am, as the spokesperson, you will speak the truth for the sake of the nation. Your duty is to be loyal to our flag and country,” he stated.

Go likewise reiterated Duterte’s principle that public servants must always prioritize loyalty to the nation above all else. 

“We should always stick to the truth and choose to speak honestly for the sake of our nation. We must consistently pledge our loyalty to the Filipino people, our flag and our country. That’s what former president Duterte is telling you. Just be loyal to our country and our flag,” he said.

In his opening statement during the hearing, Go also raised concerns over whether Duterte’s rights and due process were upheld.

He pointed out that Duterte was in no condition to flee or evade authorities, making the manner of his arrest even more questionable.

Go also pointed out the irony of surrendering a Filipino to a foreign court while there have been efforts from the government, especially during Duterte’s term, to help overseas Filipinos in distress overcome legal battles abroad and bring them home.

Oratio imperata

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Manila issued an oratio imperata or obligatory prayer imploring divine providence for the country’s stability amid the unrest following the arrest and turnover of former president Duterte to the ICC.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula issued last March 21 Circular No. 2025-19 that contained the “Oratio Imperata for the Nation.”

The prayer recalled God’s liberation of the Israelites from the brutal rule of Pharaoh in Egypt, as well as the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that is currently observed in the Lenten season.

“Stretch forth your mighty hand once again and lead our nation in this time of crisis, conflict and confusion,” said the prayer.

“Soften hearts hardened like Pharaoh’s, and open eyes blinded by greed, that our love for our country may triumph over all political loyalties and personal interests, and we may learn to see each other not as allies or enemies but as we truly are – brothers and sisters all.” — Cecille Suerte Felipe, Ghio Ong