Trillanes told to spare PNP from rumors of ouster plot vs Marcos

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) appealed on Tuesday to former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to spare the organization from issues after the latter revealed that active senior police officials have been recruiting members to join the latest ouster plot against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Citing PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, the national police spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said they have not intercepted any information related to Trillanes’ claims.

“Kinausap po natin mismo ang ating chief PNP regarding sa issue kanina maging ang ating intelligence units at wala po tayong namomonitor na sino mang aktibong pulis na involved allegedly dyan sa sinasabing destabilization plot at wala po tayong namomonitor na destabilization plot for that matter,” Fajardo clarified in a press briefing.

(We talked to the PNP chief and our intelligence units regarding the issue earlier, and we have not monitored any active members of the PNP allegedly joining the purported destabilization plot. We also have not monitored any destabilization plot, for that matter.)

“Ang pakiusap lang natin kay kagalang-galang na dating senador Trillanes please spare the PNP dito sa issue na at naka-focus tayo sa pagtupad ng ating mandato,” she added.

(We appeal to respected former senator Trillanes to please spare the PNP from this issue; we are focused on fulfilling our mandate.)

Fajardo likewise refuted claims that Marbil has been visiting regional and provincial offices for loyalty checks, saying that it is simply his duty as the new PNP chief.

She also revealed that the morale of PNP personnel is currently high under Marbil’s leadership, giving current active police members no reason to join such a plot.

“We are not monitoring any destabilization plot, and the PNP will remain apolitical, and we will always uphold our constitution,” Fajardo reiterated.

Aside from the ouster plot, Trillanes also disclosed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to issue an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte by June or July.

Last month, the former senator also revealed that ICC has talked to around 50 former and incumbent police officials regarding the crime against humanity complaints against Duterte.

On the other hand, the PNP said it has no information on the claims, saying it would only recognize the country’s justice system.