MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was ordered to investigate the group pushing for the revolutionary government under President Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Tuesday.
“Political stunts such as this are ill-timed considering that we (are) in the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. I have directed the CIDG to investigate the individuals behind it and to determine if there is any basis to file criminal charges leading to a possible arrest,” Gamboa, who was invited to attend the pro-Duterte group’s revolutionary government meeting, said in a statement.
Gamboa made the order after the information of his invitation made it appear that the police force and the government were involved in the initiatives for a revolutionary government.
“I was informed that letters were sent out to several government agencies inviting us to attend their supposed assembly. The information was then leaked to the media making it appear that we were involved or worse, that we consented to it,” the PNP chief said.
Last week, Gamboa confirmed he received an invitation about the meeting calling for a revolutionary government but noted that he did not “personally” see the invitation.
Over the weekend, some 300 people led by pro-Duterte group leaders Bobby Brillante and Arlene Buan, trooped to Clark Freeport in Pampanga to call for a revolutionary government under Duterte.
Critics and even supporters denounced such a move during the coronavirus disease crisis. Senator Joel Villanueva said the push for a revolutionary government is illegal, noting that the proponents should be criminally charged for inciting to sedition.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte distanced himself from the clamor of the group to declare a revolutionary government under his administration.[ac]