The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reaffirmed its non-partisan stance and commitment to upholding the Constitution and democracy following recent criticisms about its role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement, the military said: “The AFP stands firm in its duty—always in service of the Filipino people, with unwavering commitment to the Constitution.”
The AFP said that, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, it remains a non-partisan body.
The Constitution’s Section 5(3), Article XVI, specifically prohibits military personnel from engaging in political activities, emphasizing that any deviation from this principle would undermine the democracy the AFP is sworn to protect.
The AFP reiterated that its primary duty is to defend the nation and uphold stability, stressing that it does not interfere in political matters.
It further emphasized that concerns about governance should be addressed through lawful and democratic means, with decisions made through established legal processes and the proper election of officials.
On March 11, Duterte was arrested upon his return to Manila from Hong Kong, following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign.
Duterte was swiftly transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of orchestrating tens of thousands of extrajudicial killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and as president.
On March 28, Duterte’s 80th birthday, supporters gathered in Davao City, his hometown, demanding his return from ICC custody.
In Manila, smaller groups, including families of alleged victims of the drug war, held demonstrations calling for justice.
Overseas, particularly in Europe, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rallied in The Hague, protesting the arrest and detention as violations of Philippine sovereignty. In Qatar, OFWs were arrested over “unauthorized” demonstration.
