PNP chief Gamboa orders CIDG to probe revolutionary gov’t proponents

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will investigate the group pushing for a Duterte-led revolutionary government.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Archie Gamboa said he ordered the CIDG to launch its probe into the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte - National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC), reiterating that the PNP has “nothing to do” with the call for a revolutionary government.

“I was informed that letters were sent out to several government agencies inviting us to attend their supposed assembly. The information was then leaked to the media making it appear that we were involved or worse, that we consented to it,” he said.

“Political stunts such as this are ill-timed considering that we are in the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. I have directed the CIDG to investigate the individuals behind it and to determine if there is any basis to file criminal charges leading to a possible arrest,” Gamboa added.

He said the PNP is closely monitoring the proponents behind the movement.

Earlier, Gamboa confirmed he got an invitation to attend a meeting organized by the group, bbut saud he has not personally seen the letter.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said his department will “seriously investigate” any complaint for inciting to sedition that may be filed over calls to establish a revolutionary government.

Guevarra said he does not agree with proposals for a revolutionary government considering that these aim to "disregard" the present Constitution.

President Rodrigo Duterte had threatened to establish a revolutionary government in 2017 if alleged moves to "destabilize" the government continued, but he has distanced himself from a recent call by his supporters.

The military and Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana have also said they do not support the proposal. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News