Incoming AFP chief Clement on Jonas Burgos case: That's an old issue

Incoming Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Noel Clement, who was linked to the kidnapping and disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, on Friday maintained his innocence over the incident.

"I have been faithful in my service to our country and I have not been involved in any of those activities," Clement told reporters.

"That's a very old issue and I will not honor them by answering that, so if they want to make that an issue that's their problem. Sila magpatunay kung may katotohanan 'yun," Clement added.

Clement, who, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, was picked by President Rodrigo Duterte to be the next AFP chief, was linked to the April 2007 kidnapping and disappearance of Burgos.

After a series of investigation, Clement was cleared due to lack of evidence.

As of posting time, GMA News Online was trying to reach the family of Burgos for comment on Clement's appointment.

It has been 12 years since Burgos was abducted by men believed to be government intelligence operatives. He was last seen at a restaurant in a Quezon City mall. —KBK, GMA News