In a rare show of force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its three major service branches, the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Navy (PN), and Philippine Air Force (PAF), have issued a unified appeal for calm, responsible conduct, and respect for constitutional processes as the bloc-voting religious organization Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) began its three-day anti-corruption protest at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sunday, Nov. 16.

In separate statements, the heads of the AFP, PA, PN, and PAF underscored their commitment to non-partisanship, civilian supremacy, and the protection of democratic rights as they stressed that their role is to safeguard stability, not to interfere in lawful civic expression.

AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reaffirmed that the military “remains a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution, unwavering in its loyalty to the Constitution, the democratic principles we are sworn to defend, and to the Filipino people we serve.”

Brawner directly addressed ongoing speculation circulating online that some of the retired military officers were urging active personnel to join the protests. There were also rumors that certain personalities and groups were conniving to destabilize the government and oust the Commander in Chief, President Marcos Jr.

“With full conviction, I assure the public that the armed forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution. Not today, not tomorrow, and certainly not under my watch,” he said.

He said the AFP is focused on its mandate and continues to “carefully monitor and validate information that may affect public safety or constitutional order,” in coordination with partner agencies. He also urged the public to “remain discerning and to rely only on verified and official information.”

As thousands prepare to join various mass actions, Brawner emphasized that the AFP “reiterates its respect for the rights of our people to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” adding that these are “freedoms we are sworn to protect.”

He called on organizers and attendees to remain vigilant against attempts by “infiltrators or outside elements” to exploit the gatherings. “Protecting the integrity of these assemblies is a shared responsibility,” he said.

The PA, on the other hand, echoed a similar reminder, urging the public to reject division and uphold national unity.

“The Philippine Army affirms our mandate as a professional and non-partisan defender of the Constitution and our nation’s democratic values,” said PA Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

He stressed that the Army “firmly rejects lawless and unconstitutional actions that will undermine our national security and stability.”

While prepared to support the police in ensuring peace and security during the three-day protest of the INC, Nafarrete said the Army’s core mission remains protecting the country’s sovereignty and territory.

Nafarrete appealed to protest organizers “to be responsible for the well-being and safety of their participants,” and to ensure the peaceful exercise of free speech.

For its part, the PN affirmed the same posture, with Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta saying that the Navy “stands resolutely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and non-partisanship.”

He assured the public that the Navy is ready to support other agencies to keep the upcoming assemblies safe and lawful.

“Our sailors and marines remain steadfast in their duty to serve and protect the Filipino people,” Ezpeleta said. “Makakaasa kayo na ang bawat mandirigma at mandaragat ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas ay tapat sa tungkuling panatilin ang kapayapaan, karangalan at karapatan ng bawat Pilipino (You can be assured that every warrior and sailor of the Philippine Navy is faithful to the duty of upholding the peace, dignity, and rights of every Filipino),” he noted.

Meanwhile, the PAF highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and disaster response operations amid recent calamities, saying this remains its primary focus.

“As an AFP major service, we are committed to be a professional force, anchored on loyalty to the Constitution, respect for the chain of command, and steadfast service to the Filipino people,” said PAF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, as he rejected calls made by former officers, among them retired Air Force general Romeo Poquiz, for the military to “intervene” and join the growing clamor for accountability in allegedly corrupted flood control funds.

“The PAF respects the rights of the people under our constitution and stands resolute to help maintain order and security,” Cordura added.