‘No bad blood between AFP and PNP’

There is no bad blood between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) despite the cops’ fatal shooting of four soldiers in Jolo, Sulu last week.

Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, made the assurance on Sunday after President Duterte talked to the troops in Zamboanga City recently.

“Tayo ay isang propesyonal na organisasyon. Alam natin na meron tayong mga damdamin at nauunawin natin ‘yun lalunglalo na ang mga kaanak nitong mga namatay at itong mga mismong kasamahan sa unit nitong napatay nating mga sundalo,” Arevalo said in a radio interview over dzBB.

“But be that as it may, being matured and professional military personnel, ang tagubilin ng po ating AFP Chief of Staff [General Felimon Santos Jr.] ay hayaang gumulong ang hustisya,” he added.

Arevalo emphasized the need for the military commanders to turn their focus on the “bigger” fight that they need to face, and that is to eradicate the enemies of the state such as terrorists, communist rebels, and other threat groups.

He also echoed the sentiment of Duterte, who, during his talk to troops, questioned what good will revenge bring to the military, police and the country in general amid fears of retaliation over the June 29 shooting incident.

Duterte earlier appealed to the military and police commanders to help “calm the waters” and avoid cultivating hatred which is a “dangerous” thing to do.

Arevalo said the AFP hopes that the results of the probe being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be out within the month.