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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP mulls legal action over rumors of military official walkout during command conference

AFP mulls legal action over rumors of military official walkout during command conference

Published Jul 18, 2024 10:13 am

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday, July 18, said it is looking into potential legal action to hold accountable those spreading baseless rumors about the alleged walkout of military officials during a command conference.

The AFP had earlier categorically denied the alleged walkout, saying such is a “sheer figment of one's wild imagination.” Such rumors came out just days before the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos.

“We will not tolerate these efforts to malign our ranks or discredit our commitment to our mandate, so as we speak we are exploring legal avenues to address this afront to the military profession,” Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, the spokesperson of the AFP, said in a television interview.

“We will look at all of the possible legal implications of this incident.”

Aside from taking legal actions against those spreading fake news, Padilla stated that the AFP is exploring various methods, including fact-checking all posts involving the AFP.

“We are also coordinating with different agencies in terms of law enforcement and of course, we are also strengthening our cybersecurity posture,” she went on.

Meanwhile, the AFP spokesperson refuted rumors of a coup.

“These [coup rumors] are mere rumors, ‘no. And these rumors, we do not let it affect how we perform our duty and our mission in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We are professional and we are united,” said Padilla.

Spreading unfounded rumors, she said, undermines the integrity of the armed forces and disrespects the sacrifices made by each soldier in the line of duty.

“In the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we remain steadfast and resolute and we are driven by our unwavering love for our country and our dedication to protect our people,” the official stated.

When asked about what the AFP wants to hear from the Chief Executive’s SONA, she said: We would be anticipating the support of our commander in chief to the Armed Forces of the Philippines moving forward as we transition from internal security operations towards territorial defense and how the government and the whole of government would be one with the AFP of course in this, in this mission of safeguarding our people and of course our sovereignty in general.”

President Marcos will deliver his third SONA on July 22 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

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