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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP dismisses Alvarez' call to withdraw support for Marcos

AFP dismisses Alvarez' call to withdraw support for Marcos

Published Apr 15, 2024 09:10 am
Screenshot_2024-04-15-17-06-01-23_7ce04c763914e01b61700c480fb34db2.jpg
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shrugged off former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’ reported call on the military to withdraw its support for President Marcos to de-escalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. reiterated the military’s “unwavering commitment” to professionalism, loyalty to the Constitution and strict adherence to the Chain of Command. 

“The President is our Commander-in-Chief. Whoever the President is, it’s very clear that we will follow that chain of command. Susundan namin ang mga utos ng ating Commander-in-Chief and klarong-klaro ‘yun sa lahat ng mga sundalo (We will adhere to the directives of our Commander-in-Chief and that is very clear to all of the soldiers),” the military chief said in an interview with reporters on Monday, April 15.

Brawner also reminded the scout rangers, special forces, and special operators of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force in his talk to the troops during the sixth anniversary of the AFP Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to “remain loyal to the Constitution and follow the duly-constituted authorities.”

Alvarez reportedly urged the AFP to stop supporting the Commander in Chief’s policies when it comes to addressing the WPS tension with China during a prayer rally in Tagum City on Sunday, April 14.

Alvarez, one of the most trusted men of former president Rodrigo Duterte, also reportedly accused the Marcos administration of causing tension in the WPS by antagonizing China.

After becoming President in 2022, Marcos turned back the pro-China policy of his predecessor and adapted a fiercer stance to assert the country’s sovereignty in the WPS.

“No, definitely we are not the ones causing tension in the West Philippine Sea. It’s the other way around. We are going on with our usual business. Our fishermen are fishing in our exclusive economic zone and the AFP and Coast Guard are protecting our fishermen,” Brawner said.

Meanwhile, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the military will continue to fulfill its responsibility of protecting the Filipinos and upholding the rule of law. 

“Our soldiers, pilots, sailors and marines remain dedicated to our mandate of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines, regardless of any political affiliations or individuals in authority,” she said. 

“Our duty is to protect the Filipino people and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that peace and development will prevail throughout the nation. We will continue to fulfill these responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and utmost dedication,” she added.

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