Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said the government has not monitored any credible destabilization threat within the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines following the shooting incident at the Senate and the controversy surrounding Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
Speaking to reporters after the 45th founding anniversary celebration of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division in Isabela, Teodoro said active-duty military personnel remain professional and focused on their responsibilities.
“In the active-duty ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines where my jurisdiction lies, there is none,” Teodoro said when asked about possible destabilization threats.
The Senate incident happened days after Dela Rosa was placed under Senate protective custody following reports of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa has been identified as one of the alleged co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case involving former president Rodrigo Duterte before the ICC.
Teodoro acknowledged that the issue may affect the country’s political climate, but stressed that it has not affected the professionalism of the military.
“I am not saying it has no effect on the stability or climate of our country, but this is not affecting the professionalism and focus of personnel of the DND-AFP on their responsibilities,” he said.
Asked about calls from Dela Rosa and some of his fellow Philippine Military Academy alumni for public support, Teodoro said such appeals may influence retired officers but not those in active service.
“Well, that probably will influence those that are retired for political support. But those in the ranks are professionals and this will not affect them,” he said.
Teodoro described the issue surrounding Dela Rosa as a law enforcement matter and reiterated that the military has learned from past experiences involving political intervention.
“It is very clear to the Armed Forces that they have learned the lessons of improper meddling by the Armed Forces in politics,” he said.
The defense chief also rejected calls for military intervention in political issues, saying such appeals have no legal basis and misinterpret the Constitution.
“The use of the Constitution that the Armed Forces is the protector is a gross and mistaken misinterpretation of the Constitution,” Teodoro said.
“There is no operative procedure for that. It is just a statement that the Armed Forces must remain apolitical,” he added.