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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Fake news 'yan! AFP flags socmed posts claiming military rift, withdrawal of support from PBBM

Fake news 'yan! AFP flags socmed posts claiming military rift, withdrawal of support from PBBM

Published Jan 18, 2026 10:30 am
(Courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)
(Courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has warned the public anew against social media posts and online content that claim divisions within the military, allege political realignments, or suggest that senior officers are backing certain political personalities.
“These narratives are fake news and deliberate disinformation designed to sow confusion, mistrust, and division—both within the ranks and among the Filipino people,” the AFP said in a statement late Saturday, Jan 17.
One of the fake posts was made by a Facebook page that carried the name “The Star Bulletin PH” which has 25,000 followers. It claimed that a retired Marine Maj. Gen. “Edgar” Arevalo warned the administration about the worsening corruption crisis in the country.
The post carried the photo of retired Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, former AFP spokesperson who retired from the service in 2021, and quoted him as saying: Dapat maging handa at bukal sa loob ni Pangulong Marcos na ialay ang sukdulang sakripisyo. Nabigyan na siya ng pagkakataong pamunuan ang bansa ngunit bigo siyang gampanan ito. Panahon na upang ipakita niya ang tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan (President Marcos must be ready and willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice. He has already been given the chance to lead the country but he failed to fulfill it. It is time for him to show his true love for the nation)."
Another post claimed a “breaking news” that said military generals have withdrawn their support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and sided with Vice President Sara Duterte.
All of these claims, according to the AFP, are fake.
The military stressed that it remains unified and apolitical amid renewed attempts to drag the institution into partisan issues.
“Let us be clear: the AFP remains united, professional, and non-partisan. Our loyalty is to the Constitution and the Filipino people—not to any political figure or agenda,” it said.
The latest warning came as the AFP continues to face waves of disinformation on social media.
False claims of military unrest, coups, and political alliances have circulated in recent months, particularly after Marcos revealed alleged corruption involving flood control projects in the government.
The AFP had said that false narratives linking the military to partisan politics or indicating rift within the organization aim to undermine public trust in democratic institutions and weaken morale within the armed forces.
The AFP maintained that it addresses these claims through transparency and by reiterating its constitutional mandate to remain non-partisan and under civilian authority.
The AFP urged the public to be cautious in consuming and sharing information online.
“We urge everyone to be vigilant, verify information from credible and official sources, and refrain from sharing unverified content that only fuels division and instability,” it added.

Related Tags

AFP fake news Romeo Brawner Jr. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PBBM
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