THE Armed Forces yesterday said reelectionist Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte is authorized to maintain soldiers as bodyguards.
On Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Francisco Marbil said two Armed Forces personnel were seen in a video with Duterte at a Davao City bar on February 24.
In the video, Duterte was reportedly assaulting a male individual at the bar. The man has already filed cases of physical injuries and grave threats against Duterte before the Department of Justice.
The Davao City police, in a report, said the two are members of the Air Force with rank of staff sergeant and sergeant.
Two Davao City policemen were also seen with Duterte. They were found to be moonlighting as bodyguards for Duterte and are now facing administrative charges.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirms that Representative Paolo Duterte has been duly authorized by the Commission on Elections to retain a security detail composed of AFP personnel, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations during the election period,” said AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad in a statement.
Trinidad said the military is undertaking an “internal inquiry” to verify the identities of the military personnel who were designated to provide security to Duterte.
Trinidad said the military will closely coordinate with the PNP and with other concerned agencies in the conduct of investigation on the incident.
“The AFP remains a professional and disciplined organization committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all personnel conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of military service,” said Trinidad.
