MANILA - Philippine National Police chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa insisted Monday the national police force had no knowledge about the surprise burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the heroes' cemetery last week despite providing security for the venue.

"Wala kaming alam kung ilibing si Marcos o hindi. Kung saan siya ililibing, kailan o paano siya ilibing. Basta ang sa amin lang, pag may gulo dapat andiyan kami to respond to gulo. Yun ang aming papel. Hindi kami kasama dun sa plano kung paano siya ilibing. kung saan siya ilibing. Hindi sa amin yung libingan," he said in a press briefing.

Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, was the first to confirm the burial last Friday, less than two hours before the actual interment.

The move shocked activist groups and martial law victims, with some noting that the Supreme Court ruling allowing the burial is not yet final.

• 'Like a thief in the night': Surprise Marcos burial shocks critics, victims

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte was not aware about the exact date of the interment, although it was the defense department who told law enforcement to assist the first family.

Dela Rosa however said he "presumed" Duterte knew about the burial because he had been in touch with the Marcos family. Henry Atuelan, radio DZMM