ONCE more, I must speak out against the toxic environment of doubt being cast upon the very institutions sworn to protect us: The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
I offer my unwavering support to every soldier and coast guard officer. Let me be clear: Our uniformed personnel stand on the frontlines for the Filipino people, not for political factions or foreign interests.
To question their patriotism without a shred of proof is not just poor politics—it is a profound insult to every Filipino who has ever worn the uniform and sworn an oath to the Republic.
Dangerous Distractions
We are at a critical juncture where our sovereignty faces tangible, external threats, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. Yet, instead of uniting, we are allowing ourselves to be pulled into dangerous distractions that divide us from within.
The recent claims suggesting our defense policies are dictated by foreign intelligence are baseless and irresponsible.
Such unfounded accusations are nothing more than divisive noise. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG rightly refuted these remarks, emphasizing that our forces serve only the Filipino people and the nation’s sovereignty.
I must echo this sentiment: To accuse our defenders of being puppets without proof is not patriotism; it is manipulation.
It tragically distracts us from the real threat—the one illegally building islands in waters that are rightfully ours.
The Weapon of Disinformation
I have long warned that disinformation has become a powerful weapon.
It erodes the essential trust we must have in our institutions. We cannot afford to fight among ourselves while the threat to our seas looms large.
Accusations that undermine the loyalty of the AFP and PCG only serve those who wish to see the Philippines weak and internally fractured.
Despite these public attacks and the online harassment they endure, the AFP and PCG continue to serve with discipline and dignity.
That is the purest form of patriotism—to protect the country quietly and professionally while others spread noise.
Our defenders risk their lives daily, whether patrolling contested waters or rushing to communities struck by disaster. They do not fight for fame or favor; they fight so we, their countrymen, can live in peace.
A Call for Accountable Unity
To my fellow leaders and citizens, I implore you: Be responsible with your words.
Freedom of speech is not freedom from accountability. While criticism is a vital part of democracy, it must be grounded in truth, not resentment or political opportunism. Baseless attacks only weaken our national resolve.
Unity is, and always will be, the Philippines’ strongest defense. When we protect the dignity and honor of our defenders, we protect the dignity and honor of our Republic.
Let us not allow disinformation or politics to erode the trust that binds us together as a nation.
The Philippines will stand strong only if we stand together, under one flag, one people, and one truth.
Let us put the nation above partisanship and give our unwavering support to the brave men and women who protect our shores.
(The writer, a doctor of philosophy holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement.)
