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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP warns vs 'Chinese-backed disinformation' to agitate retired officers; pro-Beijing group slams 'anti-China propaganda'

AFP warns vs 'Chinese-backed disinformation' to agitate retired officers; pro-Beijing group slams 'anti-China propaganda'

Published Oct 21, 2025 05:20 pm
(Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
(Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on Tuesday, Oct. 21, of orchestrating a disinformation campaign or malign influence operation aimed at agitating retired military and uniformed personnel (MUP) amid discussions on the possible suspension of pensions for those found spreading false or seditious information against the government.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the CCP “uses disinformation or malign influence to advance their illegal claims in the WPS, such as the nine-dash line, the CCG Law, a nature reserve declaration, and many more.”
“In the domestic scene, the same tool is used by persons or groups who wish to discredit the AFP and to erode social cohesion. Recently, there was an attempt to agitate some of our MUP retirees, organize them, and eventually mobilize them,” Trinidad said.
The AFP called on its retirees to “help protect their ranks from certain individuals who deliberately distort the truth for their own ulterior motives.”
“We call on all Filipinos to be cautious so as not to fall victim to disinformation whether in the maritime domain or in the internal setting,” Trinidad added.
Lawyer Raul Lambino, chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU), speaks at a press conference in Quezon City on Oct. 21, 2025 where he tagged as an
Lawyer Raul Lambino, chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU), speaks at a press conference in Quezon City on Oct. 21, 2025 where he tagged as an "anti-China propaganda" the statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accusing China of orchestrating a disinformation campaign aimed at agitating retired military and uniformed personnel (MUP) amid discussions on the possible suspension of pensions for those found spreading false or seditious information against the government. Others in the photo are (L-R) APCU Director Adolfo Paglinawan, APCU President Sixto Benedicto, and APCU Director Ma. Fee Kristine H. Cai. (Photo: Martin A. Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)
However, the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU), a non-government organization promoting stronger relations between Manila and Beijing, rejected the AFP’s claim, calling it an “anti-China propaganda.”
APCU Chairman Raul Lambino said it is unconstitutional to threaten to withhold the pensions of retired military and police personnel over their political views or public statements.
“These pensions are contributions made over the years while they were in service. Pera nila ‘yan, these are already their property, and the Constitution guarantees the right to property. You cannot just deprive them of that without due process of law,” Lambino, a lawyer, said.
He also dismissed allegations linking China to any effort to influence or destabilize the Philippines, saying that retired officers would not easily be swayed by foreign powers.
“Do not belittle the intelligence of our retired military, police officers, and enlisted personnel. They are very bright people, among the most highly educated, trained, and disciplined individuals. They would not easily be influenced by any foreign power, especially since they have dedicated their lives, blood, and even the welfare of their families in service to the nation for many years,” he said.
“To say that they would allow themselves to be used by a foreign power to achieve that power’s objectives is something I don’t believe. Our retired military, police, and enlisted personnel would not do that. For what reason? What would they gain by conspiring with a foreign country? I don’t believe that. It doesn’t make sense. Honestly, this is just another round of anti-China propaganda,” he added.
Over the weekend, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the AFP was studying possible legal measures against retired officers, including the removal of their pension, in response to reports that some of them may have been involved in spreading false information and seditious remarks.
This has angered some retired military officers who have been outspoken on social media about alleged corruption in government. Some of them have even gone as far as urging active-duty personnel to withdraw their support from President Marcos Jr.
Padilla immediately clarified that such an initiative was undergoing a "thorough review."

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