The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday, Dec. 10, warned groups and individuals pushing for a “transition government” or a “withdrawal of support” from the current administration that such narratives, regardless of how they are worded, may amount to promoting an unconstitutional attempt to seize power.

In a statement, the AFP acknowledged ongoing public discussions on governance but stressed that the military’s role remains unchanged, which is to uphold the Constitution and safeguard democratic processes.

“The AFP strictly cautions against narratives calling for a ‘withdrawal of support,’” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.

The AFP echoed the Department of National Defense’s (DND) position that suggestions of withdrawing support from the government cannot be sanitized through indirect or softened language.

“While some may use softer terms to mask their intent, such calls are effectively synonymous with instigating an unconstitutional takeover. We remind the public that veiling illegal objectives behind creative language does not exempt one from criminal liability,” Trinidad explained.

“Legal authorities are capable of distinguishing valid advocacy from acts that may constitute incitement to sedition,” he added.

The AFP emphasized that it continues to focus on ensuring government operations proceed without disruption while performing its mandate to defend the nation.

It urged all sectors to avoid actions, whether explicit or implied, that could destabilize the political environment.

This, as former DND Secretary Norberto Gonzales reportedly said that a transition government is the “only way” to eliminate the “systemic” and “large-scale corruption” in the country.

He claimed corruption “comes from the very top” of political leadership and lamented that officials promising accountability are themselves allegedly complicit.

He also criticized the current electoral system as voters often choose the “lesser evil” or candidates from entrenched political dynasties, making it difficult to hold leaders accountable.

Meanwhile, the AFP denounced claims circulating on social media that the United States pressured President Marcos Jr. into scrapping the country’s planned purchase of Mi-17 helicopters from Russia, calling the allegation “false and misleading.”

In an advisory, the AFP said the termination of the contract did not occur under the current administration but during the tenure of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

“The AFP strongly encourages the public to rely solely on verified government sources for accurate and responsible information on defense and security matters,” Trinidad said.

In 2021, under the Duterte administration, the DND signed a contract with Russia for 16 units of Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters worth around P12.7 billion. The aircraft were meant to improve the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) disaster response, troop transport, and cargo-lift capabilities.

However, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the international environment shifted dramatically as Western countries, particularly the United States, imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow which affected its defense industries, banks, and logistics networks.

The sanctions created potential legal, financial, and logistical complications for Manila if it proceeded with the purchase, defense officials had said back then.

Although Manila was not directly targeted, doing business with sanctioned Russian defense entities risked exposing the country to secondary sanctions including the transfer of funds, insurance and shipping, long-term maintenance and spare parts, and training and after-sales support, according to officials.

This meant the helicopters could become difficult or impossible to sustain once delivered, prompting Lorenzana to sign the letter of termination in mid-2022 to officially cancel the contract.

This was confirmed by the AFP as Trinidad said that the cancellation of the procurement was “driven by prevailing security and geopolitical developments, particularly the conflict in Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, and the international sanctions imposed on Russia.”

“These circumstances made the acquisition unfeasible and significantly constrained its implementation. The decision was guided by practical and security considerations,” he added.

The DND sought to recover the P2 billion down payment made to Russia but to no avail.

“The AFP strongly encourages the public to rely solely on verified government sources for accurate and responsible information on defense and security matters. We remain firmly committed to transparency, truth, and the proactive countering of disinformation that may mislead the public or undermine confidence in our institutions,” Trinidad said.