The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that its decision to raise the military’s status to red alert was unrelated to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s cancellation of his planned trip to New York, United States.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the raising of the red alert status was a standard security protocol in preparation for the upcoming large-scale, anti-corruption activities next week.

“As for the President’s flight, that is beyond the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In terms of the red alert status, I would like to emphasize that it is a standard protocol of the AFP. Whenever there are major events or anything of that nature, we really implement a red alert status so that, internally, the Armed Forces of the Philippines can be prepared,” she told reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

It was Padilla who announced on a radio interview last Sunday, Sept. 14, that the AFP has been placed under a red alert status effective Sept. 12 to ensure readiness for the September 21 protests at the Luneta and People Power Monument in Quezon City. Mass demonstrations are also expected in other parts of the country to call for accountability over the reported anomalies in the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Coincidentally, the Palace announced on the same day that Marcos will not attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) High Level Week at the UN headquarters in New York City on Sept. 22, saying he “has decided to focus on domestic issues.”

Some individuals and groups, including critics of Marcos, immediately jumped to conclusion that Marcos’ cancelled trip was connected to the raising of the AFP’s red alert status.

It turns out that it was not, according to the AFP.

“When incidents like these arise, the purpose [of raising a red alert] is to pool our personnel so that we are ready for any eventuality. This is not meant to cause panic,” Padilla pointed out.

She said the military is monitoring possible security threats related to the September 21 protests.

“Of course, we are very vigilant. We look into the different possibilities that may arise to ensure that our contingency measures are in place,” Padilla stated.

“But again, I would like to emphasize that law enforcement and peace and order are the primary responsibilities of the Philippine National Police. The Armed Forces of the Philippines will play a supporting role in law enforcement and peace and order as we remain focused on our mandate of [ensuring] national security. And let us not forget that territorial defense and the West Philippine Sea issue remain part of that mandate,” she added.

The PNP announced last week that no credible threat to security had been monitored related to the anti-corruption protests.

Meanwhile, Padilla said the troops were reminded to respect the views and opinions of those who would join the rallies. She also urged the soldiers to be politically neutral and to remember that their duty is to serve the country and protect the Filipinos.

“As we wear the uniform, we have no other color but the uniform itself. Our allegiance is to the flag and to the duly constituted authority, and our loyalty lies in upholding the Constitution. Over the years, we have proven that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has evolved into a very professional organization, and we trust that each member of the AFP carries themselves with professionalism in this regard,” she said.