PNP: No destabilization moves amid Marcos-Duterte rift

MANILA, Philippines — There is no brewing destabilization or coup attempt against the government despite the word war between President Marcos and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine National police (PNP) said yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. gave the assurance as he instructed police officers to shun political noise.

“He said there is no destabilization plot, there is no coup d’etat. That’s the response of our chief PNP,” Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP’s chief publicist, said at a news briefing.

Fajardo urged the public to be cautious about unverified information, saying the PNP has not monitored any plan to oust Marcos.

She said the PNP is on normal alert status except for its forces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, who are on full alert.

While police officers are exposed to news about the current political climate in the country, Fajardo said they should not be affected by these issues, and instead focus on their jobs.

“The PNP chief is always reminding every policeman not to lose focus and continue discharging their sworn duties” she said.

Earlier, Duterte called Marcos a drug addict.

In response, Marcos said Duterte may have been affected by long term use of fentanyl, a painkiller.

Duterte responded by daring Marcos to undergo a drug test to prove that he is not into illegal drugs.

Fajardo urged interest groups to spare the PNP and refrain from using the organization for their personal gains.

“Our focus is to enforce the law and implement legal orders of duly constituted authorities,” she said.

Lawmakers were set to brief police officials about Charter change (Cha-cha) yesterday morning, but the meeting was called off for unknown reasons, sources said.

As this developed, the PNP downplayed the voiding of the designation of Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria as officer-in-charge of the office of the PNP deputy chief for administration, the second highest position in the police force.

Dubria, deputy chief for operations, is the third highest official in the PNP.

Fajardo said the voiding of Dubria’s designation has nothing to do with the official’s alleged ties with the Dutertes.?Dubria is reportedly among the so-called Davao boys, being a