MANILA (UPDATE) — House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan wants the Department of Foreign Affairs to submit a report on why former Philippine National Police Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. was reportedly intercepted and forced to return to the country upon arrival in Canada.

Libanan inquired about the incident during the budget hearing of the agency at the House of Representatives.

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"There has been a raw report on the interception of our former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin in Canada. Can the distinguished sponsor and the department enlighten us why? [W]hat transpired in Canada with our former PNP chief?" Libanan said.

Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago, sponsor of the DFA budget, said the Canadian government is also looking into the incident and is expected to relay details to the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa.

"Parang nagkaroon po ng misunderstanding, misinterpretation doon sa nangyari and the Canadian government expressed their regrets sa miscommunication." Violago said in behalf of the DFA since only members of the House are allowed to talk on the floor.

He said the DFA would give the Office of the Speaker more details when they come.

Violago explained that since Azurin chose to fly back home, there was no opportunity for the Philipine embassy to render assistance.

"[General] Azurin went to Canada in his private capacity, so, practically — since di naman po official yung trip niya wala rin pong assistance na magagawa," Violago said.

(Since it was not an official trip, there was also no assistance that could be given.)

Azurin retired from the police service in April.

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Meanwhile, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration PLtGen. Rhodel Sermonia denied that he was the one who spread the information about Azurin's alleged deportation from Canada.

He also said he would not do that because he treats Azurin as family, since their wives are sisters.

"Former CP Azurin may have been fed false stories again to drag my name on the unverified reports of his alleged deportation. There is no reason for me to do what I am being accused of. Magmistah kami, bilas ko pa siya. Ang kasiraan niya ay kasiraan ng aming pamilya," Sermonia said.

Sermonia said he was also able to talk to Azurin before he retired, and he does not know why he is being involved in the issue.

"The truth will speak for me," Sermonia said.

Azurin, in a statement, said it was Sermonia who spread the wrong reports about his alleged deportation.

He also said the latter may have tipped off the Canadian immigration, which led to his failure to enter the country.

Azurin likewise called on PNP chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. to investigate the matter.

"Sermonia had been spreading lies about my alleged 'deportation.' Maybe he knows something that everyone in our country do not know. Maybe, it was him who tipped the Canadian Immigration by concocting half truths and many lies and had been hoping that I will be deported," Azurin said.

"In due time I will issue my statement and face the media to tell what happened," he added. -- With a report from Raya Capulong, ABS-CBN News.

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