By Gabriel Kim Leal
(May 8, 2025) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it is now investigating the identities of the security personnel assigned to Davao City Rep. Pulong Duterte, following an altercation in a bar that recently surfaced.
This came after Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil confirmed on Wednesday that Duterte had two AFP personnel in his security detail, along with two police officers, who might face administrative cases for dishonesty after allegedly moonlighting as bodyguards of the lawmaker.
The AFP said the Commission on Elections authorized Duterte, who’s gunning for re-election, to have security personnel during the election period, but a probe is still needed for clarity.
“The AFP is currently undertaking an internal inquiry to thoroughly verify and validate the identities of the personnel designated to provide security to Representative Duterte,” said the AFP in a report from Philstar.com.
The issue over Duterte’s security detail arose after a video surfaced last week, showing him having an altercation with a man in a bar in Davao City in February. Duterte appeared to be holding a bladed weapon.
The video also showed several individuals standing by as Duterte allegedly threatened the victim. Some of the bystanders were reportedly AFP personnel.
“The AFP remains a professional and disciplined organization committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all personnel conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of military service,” added the AFP.
Duterte, the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte, is facing complaints of physical injuries and grave threats before the Department of Justice due to the incident.
He is also facing complaints related to drug smuggling and graft over a P6.4 billion shabu shipment in Valenzuela in 2017.
He was implicated by Mark Taguba, an alleged fixer in the Bureau of Customs, who claimed that Duterte was part of the so-called “Davao Group” involved in drug smuggling and customs issues. Taguba said he and his family received death threats after his revelations.
(PM)
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