The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated on Friday, Jan. 5, its "unwavering" loyalty to the Constitution and the Philippine flag amid new rumors of a destabilization plot against the current administration which is also being closely monitored by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

AFP chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the organization remains committed to its role as the "guardians of our nation’s sovereignty and defender of democratic principles."

"The AFP reassures the Filipino people that its members continue to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism," he said.

Brawner eased the public's worry that with the "strong leadership" of the Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the AFP will "move as one in defeating all threats to our peace and national security."

No further clarification was issued by the AFP on the matter but the statement was released after a new rumor about an alleged destabilization plot against the Marcos administration resurfaced.

In a press briefing in Davao City last Wednesday, Jan. 3, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar urged the public to be circumspect in the things that they see online.

"Don't believe that there is a destabilization plot. Wala po iyon (There's no such thing as that)," he said.

Aguilar said that everybody is free to speak their own mind in this country as part of freedom of speech, even retired military officers.

"We allow that to happen. Kung may mga retiradong military personnel (If there are retired military personnel), they are no longer part of the organization. They are no longer covered by military justice system so let them speak. Hayaan na namin sila (We will let them be)," he said.

Aguilar went on to reassure the public that the AFP "is a solid organization" as its personnel follow the chain of command and legal orders, and are "loyal to the Constitution, the Philippine flag, and the mission to protect the people."

Close monitoring

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police organization is hearing rumors of such destabilization although no solid proof has been gathered so far.

"The PNP is closely monitoring the developments and we are closely coordinating with our counterparts particularly in the AFP. We are ready to address this kind of issues if we are to reach that point. But for now, we have not monitored any destabilization plot," Fajardo said in a separate public briefing on Friday.

Last year, a similar rumor was floated about the alleged recruitment of active military personnel into efforts by retired military men to oust Marcos.

An alleged memorandum order also circulated online which supposedly put the police organization on red alert in preparation for the impending destabilization of the government, but the PNP later tagged it as fake.

"I reiterate this, for those spreading unvalidated information using the name of PNP, let this serve as a warning as you might face hefty penalties, and for the people, be vigilant," Fajardo said.