The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday confirmed that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has authorized the detailing of military security for Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte.
"The AFP confirms that Representative Paolo Duterte has been duly authorized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to retain a security detail composed of AFP personnel, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations during the election period," AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified four bodyguards seen in a viral video of an alleged assault as cops and Air Force personnel.
In an ambush interview on Wednesday, PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil stated that two police officers and two soldiers were spotted in the CCTV footage, where Duterte was seen assaulting a man in a bar in Davao City.
“Meron po kaming nakita sa video na apat po, dalawang pulis at dalawang armed forces. Doon sa dalawang pulis, they are not authorized, they are moonlighting (We saw in the video that there were four, two police officers and two armed forces personnel. For the police officers, they are not authorized, they are moonlighting)," he said.
Marbil noted that the two police officers seen in the video and their commanders will be discharged from service for allegedly moonlighting for Duterte.
Meanwhile, Trinidad stated that the military is currently conducting an internal inquiry to thoroughly verify and validate the identities of the personnel designated to provide security to Rep. Duterte.
"The AFP will closely coordinate and cooperate fully with the PNP and other concerned agencies in relation to any inquiries or investigations pertaining to this matter," he further emphasized.
Trinidad maintained that the AFP is "a professional and disciplined organization committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all personnel conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of military service."
A businessman earlier filed a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Pulong, alleging physical injuries and grave threats concerning a February 23 incident.
In the complaint, Duterte is being accused of committing less serious physical injuries and grave threats as defined under the Revised Penal Code.
Pulong has opted not to comment on the complaint filed against him.