Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 6) — After admitting that some soldiers share Vice President Sara Duterte’s sentiments against the possible return of peace talks with communist rebels, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner clarified that the military remains in “full support” for the Marcos’ administration’s decision to revive the negotiations.
“Basta’t solid ang AFP… Full support kami kay presidente,” Brawner told reporters in a chance interview on Wednesday.
[Translation: The AFP is sold… We give our full support to the president.]
Last week, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. announced the signing of a joint communique with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which represents communist rebels in the peace talks.
The two parties agreed to a “principled and peaceful resolution” in ending the decades-old armed conflict.
But Duterte on Monday called it “an agreement with the devil.”
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source the next day, Brawner said, “I cannot blame the Vice President for saying this. In fact this opinion is shared by so many in our country, even soldiers… But right now we believe na yung ginawang [that the] joint statement is really moving towards lasting peace.”
Pressed on his earlier statement, Brawner said, “huwag na, para hindi ma-divide [I’d rather not so there won’t be division].”
He added that his full statement clearly indicates that the military remains united behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, Duterte found an ally in presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos, who said she supports the Vice President’s appeal.“Yes… That’s the short answer. I’ll give you a statement when I’m ready,” Sen. Marcos said.
“Medyo nalilito pa rin ako sa peace talk sapagkat narinig naman natin si Mr. Jalandoni na nagsaad na kahit may peace talk ay mananatili pa rin ang mithiin nila, ang goal nila na ibagsak ang pamahalaan,” she pointed out. “Bakit ganoon? Nag-peace talk ka pa.”
