• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reiterated its rejection of unconstitutional means to change the country’s leadership, especially calls for military intervention.
In a recent statement, the AFP said it remains a “professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution committed to serving the people and protecting the Republic.”
On Nov. 30, nationwide simultaneous protest rallies against corruption will be held, which will also be participated by civil society groups and the church sector in Negros Occidental.
The rallies are aimed at urging the government to initiate more actions and reforms in safeguarding public funds amid the ongoing probe of anomalies in flood control projects.
“We believe that the fight against corruption must be pursued through constitutional, transparent, and lawful processes – never through force, intimidation, or military intervention,” the AFP said.
Intelligence units of the AFP are investigating alleged involvement of retired military and police officials in the reported destabilization plot against the Marcos administration.
“Our duty is to defend the nation, uphold democratic institutions, and safeguard the peace,” it further said.
The AFP Visayas Command, which supervises all military units stationed in the Visayas, earlier issued a statement, assuring the people that the troops remain non-partisan, loyal to duly constituted authority, and focused on their mandate to safeguard peace and stability across the region. | GB
