The Department of Foreign Affairs shed light on reports that retired Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. had encountered issues with Canadian immigration.

During the House 2024 budget deliberations Wednesday, House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan asked Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Violago, DFA budget sponsor, if the reports were accurate.

Violago confirmed that Azurin encountered issues but added that the Canadian government regretted the "misunderstanding and miscommunication."

Azurin voluntarily returned to the country after traveling to Canada. The DFA was unable to assist him since it was a personal trip.

Due to confidentiality issues, the Canadian government has yet to submit an official report to the Philippine government on the incident.

"This incident happened a few days ago. General Azurin voluntarily went to Canada and he suddenly returned to the country," Violago said during the budget debates.

Azurin denied he was deported and blamed his former colleague, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, P/Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia for spreading disinformation.

In a statement Tuesday, he said Sermonia was the source of the disinformation.

"Sermonia had been spreading lies about my alleged deportation. Maybe he knows something that everyone in our country does not know. Maybe it was him who tipped off Canadian Immigration by concocting half-truths and many lies and was hoping that I would be deported. He had been sending messages about my deportation," Azurin said.

He said the truth will come out in due time.

He urged current PNP chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, to investigate Sermonia's alleged participation in the defamation campaign.

Sermonia's denial

Meanwhile, Sermonia denied Azurin's claim.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame Wednesday, Sermonia said he had no idea why his name was being dragged into the controversy regarding the supposed deportation of Azurin.

"Former Chief PNP Azurin may have been fed false stories again to drag my name into the unverified reports of his alleged deportation. There is no reason for me to do what I am being accused of," said Sermonia, whose wife is the sister of Azurin's wife.

He added: "I'd rather not dignify the accusations with a reply that may be construed negatively. My advice is to directly ask the Canadian Embassy what the reason for the questioning was, which made Azurin decide to return to the country as he stated, and not deported."

He said Canada has its own rules and regulations on border control.

"So, it is best to secure the report from them. The truth will speak for me," he added.

Sermonia said he plans to discuss the issue with their entire family.

Azurin and Sermonia are members of Philippine Military Academy Class 1989.