Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 4) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday clarified there is no destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., only grumblings among some retired military officers.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said he only heard rumors about alleged destabilization efforts. He, however, acknowledged that some retired military officers might be disgruntled because of “various” issues, including changes to the pension system of military and other uniformed personnel.
“I did not mention about destabilization plot. Kasi pag sinabi nating plot, parang plano na ito na i-eexecute na lang. Ang sinabi ko during my statement was that may mga naririnig tayo na mga ugong-ugong ng mga destabilization efforts,” he said on the sidelines of the Congress joint session.
[Translation: If we say there is a plot, it’s as if it’s ready for execution. What I said was we were hearing grumblings of destabilization efforts.]
He reminded active troops to follow their oath to protect the people and uphold the Constitution.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also confirmed that some former troops are displeased with some of the Marcos administration’s policies, but there is no truth that there are active plans to unseat the president.
“There were healthy and passionate exchanges/debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space. Although oftenly [sic] abused, they are part of the freedom of expression where most are academic discussions or politically motivated,” he said in a statement.
He added the AFP and the rest of the security sector are loyal to the commander-in-chief and will not be influenced to join any destabilization plot against the government.
AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar also allayed the fears that this could lead to issues on national security.
“I think that has been settled, kumbaga sa kwan, tapos na yung kwento na yun. Wala kaming nakikitang threat, so just to assure the public that we see no threat, security threat at this time or even in the near future,” he told defense reporters.
[Translation: That chapter is done. We assure the public that we are not seeing any security threats now or even in the near future.]
CNN Philippines Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report.
