Impeach Duterte backers to be arrested if they violate law: PNP

July 1, 2019

The Philippine National Police( PNP) will only arrest those who are planning to file an impeachment case against President Rodrigo Duterte if it is found out that they are violating the law.

In a press briefing Monday, Police General Oscar Albayalde said it will be up to President Rodrigo Duterte if he wants to arrest those who will file impeachment case against him.

"I think its up to the president (on how he will deal) with his statement," said the PNP chief.

"Although he has not given his directives yet... well of course, if the president will order and we see a violation, why not?" Albayalde said.

The PNP chief assured they will investigate first before arresting anyone who will file impeachment cases against Duterte.

"We cannot just arrest anyone that will be pointed. There is always be an investigation before you make an arrest," said Albayalde.

But Albayalde said it will depend on the investigation on what will be the specific violation of a certain person filing an impeachment complaint.

"It will depend on what we will see. As for the specific, we cannot mention for now what will be the specific violation of the person," he added.

Last June 26, Duterte became furious at his critics who said he could be impeached for not upholding the constitutional provision about protecting the country's exclusive economic zone after he mentioned allowing Chinese to fish in the Philippine EEZ. 

He threatened to put in jail those who want him impeached. Ella Dionisio/DMS