Manila, March 12 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday maintained that it remains professional and non-partisan even as it remains focused on its core mission of safeguarding national security and maintaining stability.

This, as the military maintained that the arrest of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte is a law enforcement matter and outside of its jurisdiction.

"The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is a matter of law enforcement, and therefore, outside the AFP's direct purview. The AFP remains strictly professional and non-partisan," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a statement.

Padilla said the AFP is actively monitoring developments and is prepared to respond appropriately to...