PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa. (File photo)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to conduct a probe and closely monitor the proponents of the so-called “revolutionary government” (RevGov) movement.
Gamboa reiterated that the PNP leadership has nothing to do with the call for a revolutionary government.
“I was informed that letters were sent out to several government agencies inviting us to attend their supposed assembly. The information was then leaked to the media, making it appear that we were involved, or worse, that we consented to it,” he said in a press statement issued on Tuesday night.
Gamboa said political stunts, such as this, are ill-timed as the country is battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"I have directed the CIDG to investigate the individuals behind it and to determine if there is any basis to file criminal charges leading to a possible arrest,” he said.
On Monday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said calls for a "RevGov" are only a distraction to the government's Covid-19 containment efforts.
Malaya said a revolutionary form of government has never been considered as it is beyond the bounds of the Constitution.
"Given that we are battling a great crisis right now, this could be a distraction from what we are doing right now," he said in a television interview.
On Sunday, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo brushed aside efforts to establish a revolutionary government, saying it would only matter if there is an “overwhelming call” from the public.
Panelo said the call for a revolutionary government “must come from the people and not from a single organization or an individual.” (PNA)
