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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND warns vs 'foreign-backed' bid to stir political unrest

DND warns vs 'foreign-backed' bid to stir political unrest

Published Oct 27, 2025 01:56 pm
Department of National Defense
Department of National Defense
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday, Oct. 27, accused “foreign-backed quarters” of orchestrating efforts to circulate false narratives about supposed military intervention in politics to sow division and weaken the country’s democratic institutions.
“Foreign-backed quarters are parroting rumors of military intervention for their own benefit in an attempt to subvert our constitutional processes, and hijack the people’s call for accountability and transparency for their personal political agenda,” the DND said in a statement.
A recent survey by independent polling firm OCTA Research showed that seven in 10 Filipinos oppose any move by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to intervene in political disputes.
The poll, conducted from Sept. 25 to 30, found that 70 percent of respondents reject military involvement in politics, while only five percent agree and 22 percent remain undecided.
Opposition was strongest in Mindanao (79 percent), followed by Metro Manila (78 percent), Visayas (71 percent), and Balanced Luzon (63 percent).
“The public’s clear rejection of any form of military intervention in politics underscores a mature democracy and validates the AFP’s steadfast commitment to remain non-partisan and focused on defending the nation,” the DND said.
Read: AFP pledges to protect Constitution amid calls for military intervention over corruption woes
The defense department underscored that the AFP remains firmly committed to its constitutional duty of defending the nation and staying non-partisan.
“The DND echoes the AFP’s clarion call—a strong AFP for a strong Philippines. The AFP’s strength lies in its discipline, service, and allegiance to the Constitution and the Filipino people. Only enemies of the state wish us to fail,” it added.
The warning came amid renewed calls circulating online urging active-duty members of the AFP to withdraw their support from President Marcos Jr. amid the corruption issues hounding the government.
Read: Retired generals' group warns vs military intervention amid corruption issues: 'Catastrophic betrayal of democracy'

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