ILOILO CITY – The hierarchy of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army denied a coup attempt against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and vowed to remain loyal to his administration.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with Major Gen. Marion Sison, chief of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army, during his visit to the unit’s headquarters in Jamindan town, Capiz province last October. (Army 3rd ID)
“With utmost certainty, I can assure you that nobody at 3rd ID will become a party to any similar undertaking,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.
The statement came in the heels of a report quoting Gen. Romeo Brawner, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, that there are coup plotters in their ranks.
“Your Army in Western and Central Visayas shall remain steadfast in our commitment to serve our constituents and to protect the security and peace in this part of the region. Our actions shall always be guided by the Army's core values of honor, duty, and patriotism. Our loyalty shall always be to our Constitution, to the duly constituted authority, and to the people we have sworn to protect,” Sison said.
Sison said that Filipino soldiers, including those serving in the units of the 3rd ID in the islands of Panay, Negros, and Siquijor, have learned from past failed coups.
“Not only did it adversely affect the Army as an organization, but it destroyed the lives of many of our soldiers and compromised the welfare of their families. More importantly, it caused tremendous damage to the nation's economy and stability.”