Presidential Photo/File

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) denied reports of personnel resigning in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest and turnover to the ICC.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson BGen. Jean Fajardo said there was no confirmed information on the supposed resignations.

She also reminded police personnel to remain apolitical and non-partisan and to observe certain policies when airing their sentiments on social media.

“There are certain ethical standards and norms po within the PNP in expressing your views, especially since we know that the PNP is an apolitical and non-partisan organization. Again, we respect their views, but airing these views while you’re inside the PNP is akin to being partisan, and that’s not right,” she said.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla urged the public to exercise critical discernment and avoid spreading unconfirmed information, as she reiterated that the military remains non-partisan.

“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 continues to remain focused on our sworn duty, upholding the rule of law and the chain of command,” she said in a statement.

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo also said the organization has not monitored unrest nor noted any personnel resignations.

“The PAF Command ensures that our personnel continue to embody professionalism and loyalty to our flag and people, while maintaining absolute political neutrality,” she told reporters in a text message.

Philippine Army spokesperson Louie Dema-Ala had a similar response to media queries, saying the military remains intact with high morale.

“We have not received any report na ‘yong mga sundalo nagre-resign. Kung social media lang ‘yang basis natin, definitely, ‘di natin mapaniwalaan ‘yan. But currently, wala tayong nare-receive na reports, actual na mga sundalo, Philippine Army, na nagre-resign,” she said in a telephone interview.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos also said that the organization adheres to the chain of command.

“The Philippine Navy assures all Filipinos that we uphold the highest standard of professionalism. Every sailor and marine will remain loyal to the Constitution and to the oath that we took to serve the country and the Filipino people,” he said.