Metro Manila, Philippines – Supposed threats against the administration did not come from the police force, a Philippine National Police (PNP) official said, citing professionalism in its ranks.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a briefing on Wednesday, May 22, that the police force will follow the chain of command.

“As far as the PNP is concerned – ‘yun pa rin ang sasabihin natin ngayon – wala pong nangyayaring recruitment dito at walang mangyayari na destabilization na sinasabi na pangungunahan po ng inyong pambansang pulisya,” Fajardo said.

[Translation: As far as the PNP is concerned – we will say it again – there is no recruitment here, and there will be no destabilization that will be led by your national police.]

“Katulad po ng sinasabi natin, ang inyong mga kapulisan ay mga professional. Alam natin ang sinampahang tungkulin at patuloy po nating sinasabi na we will uphold the Constitution and obey the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities,” she added.

[Translation: As we have said, your police are professionals. We know our sworn duties and we continue to say that we will uphold the Constitution and obey the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities.]

Fajardo said the police will defend the law.

“Ganu’n pa rin po ‘yung stand ng PNP at kung anuman – may mga sinasabing banta rito ay hindi nanggagaling ‘yan sa hanay ng pambansang pulisya,” said Fajardo. “But then again, assuming kung mayro’n man po at ito ay mapapatunayan, ang inyo pong pambansang pulisya ay handa pong ipagtanggol ang sariling batas po nito.”

[Translation: That is still the stand of the PNP – supposed threats did not come from the national police. But then again, assuming that there is and it is proven, your national police is ready to uphold its law.]

The PNP has rejected destabilization rumors since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office.

The newest claim was from former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who said that high-ranking police officers were recruiting cops to join plan to unseat Marcos.