DND, AFP have no law enforcement mandate – Teodoro

DAVAO CITY – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reaffirmed on Thursday, March 20, 2025, that the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) do not have a law enforcement mandate, clarifying their role amid discussions on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte during a Senate hearing.

Teodoro clarified that the AFP’s role is limited to assisting the Philippine National Police (PNP) when requested. Still, it has no authority to lead or conduct law enforcement operations.

“The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have no law enforcement mandate. Our sole mandate is to provide support to the Philippine National Police when requested. This is where our coverage ends. The operation is clearly a law enforcement operation, and the Philippine National Police has the authority to request assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Teodoro said in a statement.

He further emphasized that the AFP’s involvement in law enforcement activities is strictly within operational security guidelines and only upon official request from the PNP.

Teodoro’s statement comes amid heightened speculation and concerns regarding the military’s role in the ICC investigation and Duterte’s arrest. Some question whether the AFP would intervene. His remarks reaffirmed the chain of command and upheld legal procedures in handling high-profile cases.

The Senate hearing on Duterte’s arrest has drawn national attention. Discussions focused on legal frameworks, law enforcement procedures, and the extent of military involvement in such operations.

Currently, the PNP remains the primary agency handling the case, and direct military intervention is not allowed unless officially requested within the scope of support operations.