PNP mulls holding Alvarez liable for sedition

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is studying if Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez can be held liable for inciting to sedition after the lawmaker urged the military to withdraw its support for President Marcos.

- EMMANUEL TUPAS

"Our legal officers and other concerned units will study if those statements may be considered as seditious statements, but for now, we won't get into that matter yet," PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a phone interview with reporters.

In his remarks before constituents during a prayer rally in Tagum City last Sunday, Alvarez urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw their support for Marcos to force the Chief Executive to step down.

Fajardo appealed to sectors not to drag the PNP into their calls of withdrawal of support for Marcos as she stressed that the police organization remains loyal to the duly constituted authorities and the 1987 Constitution.

Fajardo said the PNP does not want to be caught in the middle of political statements, noting that elected officials should be respected.

"The PNP remains focused on its mandate," she added.

'Uncalled for'

Meanwhile, Marcos' allies in the House of Representatives yesterday called on Alvarez - an ally and close friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte to be more responsible and circumspect in his tirades against the current administration.