MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang said on Thursday that authorities will continue to pursue retired Major General turned fugitive Jovito Palparan even as Palparan’s lawyer allegedly stated that his client will not surrender during the Aquino administration.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also assured Palparan’s camp of due process.

“It’s their choice (if he will not surrender) but on the part of government, kami po ‘yung naaatasan na mag-execute ng [we are the ones tasked to execute the] warrant of arrest, to carry out the warrant of arrest and we will do so,” she said.

“We acquire everybody—friend or perceived foe—the due process that he is entitled to as well as kung ano po ‘yung karapatan sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas, sinusunod po natin ‘yon [as well as their rights under the Constitution, which we follow],” she added.

Valte, meanwhile, said the Palace is not threatened by the growing support for Palparan, specifically by the Association of General and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AGFO), which urged the public to stop the trial by publicity against the retired Major General.

“Of course, magkakaroon tayo ng mga sektor who are entitled to their own views and their own opinions,” she said.

Valte also defended the speedy resolution on Palparan’s case.

“Wala naman pong masama kung magkakaroon ng speedy resolution doon sa mga ganitong kaso [There is nothing wrong in having speedy resolutions to cases like this],” she said.

“Ang bottom line po nito is nabibigyan po siya ng pagkakataon na ipagtanggol ang sarili niya doon po sa tamang venue [The bottomline here is he is given a chance to defend himself at the right venue],” Valte said.

Malacañang had earlier urged Palparan to surrender to authorities, as it also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities should they have any sighting of the retired Major General turned fugitive.

The Palace had likewise warned that those who may be coddling Palparan would also be held accountable.