Military says red alert status 'not for any political color'

Manila, Philippines – The military’s declaration of a “red alert” status among its ranks – timed with the deepening congressional probe into alleged corruption in public works and ahead of a Sept. 21 mass protest - is devoid of political overtones, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Tuesday.

The red alert status has been in place since Friday last week, just as several quarters announced plans to hold separate rallies in two democracy landmarks in the city – in Rizal Park in Luneta and in the People Power Monument in EDSA, Quezon City – this weekend as unrest worsens over anomalies on the use of public funds for flood control projects.

“Ang pag-red alert naming [our red alert declaration] is for national security in general and not for any political color,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told a briefing.

The declaration was “standard protocol” so that the military will “stand ready for any eventuality,” she said, adding that law enforcement and ensuring peace rests on the police with the military as a backup force.

Military leaders also boost morale in its ranks.

“We respect their views… But as we wear the unfiorm, we don’t have any other color. Our allegiance is to the flag and duly constituted authority. We trust each member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is professional,” Padilla said.

“Down to our ground commanders, patuloy po natin consistently ni-reremind ang ating kasundaluhan,” she pointed out.

[TRANSLATION: Down to our ground commanders, we continue to and consistently remind our soldiers.]

NewsWatch Plus news anchor Lois Calderon contributed to this story.