PNP backs ex-generals’ statement denouncing gov’t destabilization

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it supports a statement from a group of retired generals denouncing rumored efforts to destabilize the government amid the flood control scandal.

In a statement over the weekend, the Association of Generals and Flag Officers — composed of retired military and police officials — stressed that both active and retired uniformed personnel must remain committed to the Constitution.

“We fully respect the stand of the retired generals as some of them also went through the same challenges when they were still active in the service,” Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“We will remain focused on our mandate of serving and protecting the people, and do more to shape the future of the country’s police force,” he added.

READ: AFP verifying link of active-duty soldier to destabilization plot

Last Nov. 14, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was reviewing a list circulating online that supposedly identifies government and military officials in a plot to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On Nov. 23, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson bared that he was invited by some retired military officials to be part of a “civilian-military junta” but that he declined to join. /mcm