DOJ: No case so far over coup attempt

MANILA, Philippines — No case has been filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the reported attempts of some retired military officers to stage a coup against the government. 

“We have not yet received information regarding these cases,” DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said in an interview with “Storycon” on One News yesterday. 

“If they’re investigating something, they could always coordinate with the DOJ for case build-up in case they file the complaint,” Martinez added, referring to the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. had confirmed that the PNP is considering filing charges against those who urged AFP officials to withdraw support for President Marcos. 

“Our coordination with law enforcement starts when a complaint is filed,” Martinez said.

“In the ordinary scheme of things, law enforcement is still independent from the DOJ. Only after they have filed (a complaint) can we begin looking into it… to see if we can proceed to preliminary investigation,” he added.