AFP maintains adherence to chain of command following Digong’s arrest

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday maintained that it is ready to reinforce efforts to uphold national stability and security “if necessary” following the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity.

“Legal and political developments involving former officials fall under the jurisdiction po of the appropriate government agencies. But for the AFP, as a professional organization, the AFP adheres to the chain of command, and we remain focused on our mandate,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“However, together with the appropriate government agencies, we stand ready, sir, to reinforce efforts to uphold national security and stability when necessary,” she added.

Padilla was asked whether Duterte’s arrest would pose a national security concern or cause destabilization in the military.

“We cannot speculate on what will ensue itong parating na ganitong activities. But for the side of the AFP… As I said earlier, we are ready po and prepared to augment as necessary when requested,” she responded.

Earlier today, Duterte was brought to the Villamor Air Base of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Pasay City following his arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after arriving from Hong Kong.

There was no explanation as to why the former president was brought to the PAF’s airbase.

“It is normal for PAF's secured base facilities to be used as arrival or departure points for air movements of certain important personalities. For operational security, we, however, defer to the concerned government agency responsible for this activity to confirm and give specific details. Thank you for your understanding,” Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo told the Daily Tribune in a Viber message.

A source likewise told the DAILY TRIBUNE that the procedural process of Duterte’s case with the International Criminal Court (ICC) was discussed at Villamor Air Base. The holding area is also equipped with a medical facility.

According to the source, an aircraft, possibly chartered by the ICC, will soon land at the airbase to transport the former president to a still undisclosed location.