• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Visayas Command (Viscom) assured the people in the Visayas that its troops remain non-partisan, loyal to duly constituted authority, and focused on their mandate to safeguard peace and stability across the region.
This was in response to the call of some people for the AFP to withdraw its support from the government, who are also calling for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the massive corruption in the higher echelon of the government.
“Our commitment to constitutional order is not merely a duty, it reflects the values we uphold. Every soldier under Viscom understands that our strength lies not in force, but in fidelity to the rule of law and service rooted in integrity,” its commander, Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg said in a statement.
Viscom supervises two Philippine Army divisions, including the 3rd ID and 8th ID, as well as units of the Philippine Air Force and Navy in the Visayas region.
“As many of our communities continue to recover from recent calamities, Viscom appeals for compassion, unity and solidarity.
Let us choose actions that heal, unite and move the Visayas forward, it added.
The Viscom also reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to uphold the Constitution, preserve democratic institutions, and serve the Filipino people with honor, discipline and unwavering professionalism.
“You can rely on us to stand firm, serve honorably and protect the welfare of the people in the region,” it added.
Meanwhile, the AFP is looking into the possibility of foreign entities funding recent anti-government protest actions in the country.
“We are looking at all possible avenues, all areas to ensure that domestic concerns will remain domestic and will not be influenced by foreign funding,” acting AFP spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing.
Trinidad said the investigation aims to ensure the integrity, protection and the safety of Philippine society. | GB
