The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday it had terminated its inquiry into Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, the former head of Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail, to avoid duplicating an investigation already being handled by the Office of the Ombudsman.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military recognized the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction over the complaints involving Lachica and would defer to that process.
Lachica’s name surfaced in earlier congressional investigations after former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta testified that she turned over Php 125 million in confidential funds to him in December 2022.
Acosta later testified in Duterte’s impeachment trial that the Vice President personally instructed her to release the funds to Lachica.
The AFP had previously looked into possible administrative liability involving Lachica and Col. Dennis Nolasco after both officers were linked to the handling of confidential funds.
Lachica has remained on “attached unassigned” status at Philippine Army headquarters since October 4, 2025, a setup the AFP said would keep him available for investigations or other proceedings.
Padilla said the military would cooperate if Lachica is summoned to appear before the Senate Impeachment Court.
AFP officials added that the military would honor a valid subpoena and continue to respect the legal and democratic processes surrounding the case.