The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned the public against disinformation circulating over the internet suggesting that certain quarters in the military are ‘mobilizing’ around embattled Vice President Sara Duterte.
In an online statement on Monday, the AFP said these so-called reports are “completely false and misleading.”
“These claims come from unreliable sources and are not supported by any official AFP releases. Such misinformation only serves to create unnecessary panic and confusion,” it added.
Internet scuttlebutt about brewing military adventurism suddenly popped up as Duterte faces increasing scrutiny over her latest tirade wherein she admitted masterminding a plot to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
However, the AFP said it remains focused on “fulfilling its mandate with professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to the Constitution and the chain of command.”
“Attempts to undermine our military and democratic institutions with these fraudulent posts will not be tolerated,” it added.
The AFP also clarified that the videos circulating online to support the supposed mobilization of troops were file footage of previous military operations.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that such disinformation causes unnecessary panic and confusion, stating the AFP leadership would not tolerate attempts to undermine the military or democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., underscored the critical role of soldiers in maintaining professionalism and upholding the Constitution amidst the current political challenges facing the nation.
“In the past days, we have seen a myriad of events that transpired… and this has shaken the political environment of our country. As soldiers, we should not be shaken by this,” he said during Monday’s launch of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.
