PNP general belies ‘mistah’ Azurin’s claim: ‘He’s my brother-in-law’

Philippine National Police Deputy Director General for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia to the media on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, after former chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. accused him of “spreading lies” about the retired general’s alleged deportation from Canada. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — Police Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia is rejecting allegations that he may have something to do with the deportation of former police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. from Canada.

The incumbent Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General for Administration said the retired general may have been fed with “false stories” to drag him into the controversy.

“There is no reason for me to do what I am being accused of. Magmistah kami; bilas ko pa siya (We’re batchmates; he’s my brother-in-law),” Sermonia pointed out.

“I am very busy with my duties as TDCA (The Deputy Chief for Administration),” he also told reporters.

On Wednesday, Azurin broke his silence amid rumors of his deportation from Canada. The former PNP boss said he suspects Sermonia “tipped off” Canadian Immigration by fabricating “half-truths and many lies” so he could be deported.

READ: Ex-PNP chief Azurin speaks up on alleged Canada deportation

“Sermonia had been spreading lies about my alleged ‘deportation’. Maybe he knows something that everyone in our country do not know. Maybe, it was him who tipped the Canadian Immigration by concocting half truths and many lies and had been hoping that I will be deported. He had been sending messages about my deportation… sorry, hindi po ganun nangyari,” Azurin said in a statement sent to reporters.

“In due time I will issue my statement and face the media to tell what happen[ed].”

“All indicators are very revealing that Sermonia has something to do with what happen[ed]…all footprints are leading to him… CPNP Acorda should find it out!” Azurin added.

But for Sermonia, the Canadian Embassy should be the right authority to address the matter.

“My advice is to directly ask the Canadian Embassy what the reason for the questioning was, which made retired PNP Chief Gen Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. decide to just return to the country as he stated, and not deported. Canada has its own rules and regulations on border control. So, it is best to secure the report from them. The truth will speak for me,” Sermonia said.

Public Information Office chief  and spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP has no information on this controversy while the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is “in touch with Canadian authorities and hopes to get a better understanding of the incident soon.”

“While our foreign service posts are ready to assist Filipino travelers, including former government officials, these cases have privacy issues surrounding them,” DFA said in a separate statement.

kga