Duterte to CHR, Ombudsman: Tell me before you probe cop or soldier

MANILA — President Duterte said on Monday the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Ombudsman should first inform his office before investigating any policeman or soldier accused of wrongdoing.

Duterte added that any soldier or policeman should not appear in an investigation if the Commander-in-chief thought he or she should not do so.

“CHR…you are better abolished. I will not allow my men to go there to be investigated. Human Rights Commission, you address your request through me because the Armed Forces is under me and the police is under me,” Mr. Duterte said.

The President said the Ombudsman should also “refrain from citing them in contempt” because he had “the authority to give the final say whether they will attend or not.”

“So, don’t force (me) to clash with you. Clear it with me first. Everything or whoever. You address it to the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), to me. Attention DILG,” he said.

Mr. Duterte said the CHR should first investigate the recent New People’s Army ambush of Presidential Security Group members in North Cotabato.  He had the same message to the Office of the Ombudsman

Duterte acknowledged that the “Ombudsman is (here) to check on government.”  He, however, urged the anti-graft body to be fair to all sides “so that you can get the truth and the whole story.” “If you fail to address also the atrocities of the other side … then do not investigate my army and police,” the President said.

“Do not make it a one-sided affair. I will not allow it. As President, I will not allow it. Justice for all. What is sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose,” he added.  SFM