Dalipe to Duterte: Spare AFP, PNP from partisan intrigues

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City District Representative Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe called on former President Rodrigo Duterte to “spare” the country’s uniformed services from what he called “partisan intrigues” that could raise questions on their professionalism.

In a statement released Sunday, Dalipe called Duterte’s remarks on the supposed presidential ambition of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as “not only baseless but also premature,” as he said the presidential election is still too far away.

“I respectfully appeal to former President Rodrigo Duterte to recognize the paramount importance of keeping our Armed Forces and National Police free from partisan politics,” the statement read.

“These institutions serve as the bedrock of our nation’s security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality,” it added.

Dalipe’s call comes after Duterte last week told Congress to be wary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), citing a supposed uneasiness in the claimed alliance between Romualdez and ACT-Teachers party-list Representative France Castro.

“Watch the military and the police closely. You who are conniving in Congress. I am not scaring you, but watch the military and the police closely,” he said in a program aired over Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

In his statement, Dalipe said Duterte should “prioritize the nation’s well-being over political interests,” noting that the days of “military adventurism” are already over and the uniformed personnel are said to be focused on carrying out their Constitutional mandates.

“The AFP and the PNP have more important things to do than watching Congress, as claimed by the former president. Our uniformed service must be insulated from partisan activities and should maintain the highest degree of professionalism. Huwag na sana niyang idamay ang AFP at PNP (I hope he doesn’t involve the AFP and PNP),” he said.—RF, GMA Integrated News