Manila, May 8 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is now validating the identities of its personnel assigned as part of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte's security detail.

"The AFP confirms that Rep. Paolo Duterte has been duly authorized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to retain a security detail composed of AFP personnel, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations during the election period," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement late Wednesday.

He also added that the AFP is currently undertaking an "internal inquiry to thoroughly verify and validate the identities of the personnel" tasked to secure the lawmaker.

"The AFP will closely coordinate and coope...