By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday assured the public that no destabilization threat has been monitored despite the tense standoff at the Senate last May 13.
“No. Within the active duty ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, where my jurisdiction lies, there is none,” he said when asked about the issue during an ambush interview in Isabela.
The shooting at the Senate happened while Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – who is the subject of an active arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity – was holed up and under the chamber’s protective custody.
Teodoro said Dela Rosa’s appeal for support might influence only retired servicemen — especially his former classmates in military school — but not those in active duty.
“Well (that) probably will influence those who are retired for political support. Those in the ranks are professionals. These will not affect them,” the DND chief said.
Teodoro stressed there are clear distinctions between political, law enforcement, military and national defense issues.
“They have learned the lessons of improper meddling by the Armed Forces in politics. Now yun mga panawagan sa (those calling on the) Armed Forces na mag-aklas (to rise or revolt) or whatnot from any party, that has no basis in law. The use of the Constitution, (that) the Armed Forces is the protector (of the people) is a gross and mistaken interpretation of the Constitution. And there is no operative procedure for that,” he said.
Earlier, the ICC confirmed that the warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa, which circulated in the media was “indeed a formal ICC document.”
The ICC unsealed and formally classified the document as “public” on May 11.
After a six-month absence, Dela Rosa surfaced and sought refuge at the Senate on Monday.
Hours after Wednesday’s tension, Dela Rosa casually walked out of the building with fellow Sen. Robinhood Padilla, whom the National Bureau of Investigation eventually labeled as “person of interest.” (PNA)
