Presidential Communications Secretary Martivn Andanar Thursday said he did not think President Duterte would give orders to bomb mosques and kill Muslims, as claimed by a Senate witness today.
“No, I don’t think he’s capable of giving a directive like that,” Andanar said in a press briefing.
He noted that Duterte was investigated by the Commission on Human Rights when he was Davao City mayor, and no charges were filed against him.
But he said the palace would issue a more comprehensive response after the hearing has concluded.
He said he would consult Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre about the allegations.
READ: Duterte ordered De Lima ambush in 2009, says witness
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the allegations in the Senate must be investigated first.
“We will have to await proper investigation regarding the matter,” Abella said.
He also called on people to “properly weigh” whatever had been said.
“I believe, as in call cases, all citizens should maintain a sense of sobriety and maintain a sense of objectivity,” he said.
“After all people do make statements every day. And while this person may sound credible, it is imperative that each and every one of us properly weigh whatever has been said,” he added./rga
READ: Duterte ordered us to bomb mosque, kill suspects — ‘DDS’ member