The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is checking what it describes as “unusual” logistical and financial support behind the rally conducted at the People Power Monument in Quezon City over the weekend.
Acting AFP spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the rally organized by the United People’s Initiative (UPI) appeared highly organized and well-funded, possibly even with foreign backing.
“On the monitoring of the AFP for these different activities to ensure the safety and protection of those involved, we have noted that the support system was unusual when it comes to administrative requirements or administrative support given to the participants of the rally,” Trinidad told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
“The way it was organized—the support system, the food, and the other ancillary equipment or facilities needed—it was organized; it was grand. As they say, the preparation was grand,” he added, noting that the quality and nature of the catering alone suggested substantial funding.
Without naming brands, Trinidad said the AFP is checking all possible leads to determine whether the rally was financed by domestic groups or foreign sources.
“Without going to specific names or brands, you will be able to see based on the catering or the food provided. This will give us an indication of the support system or the funding of the activity,” he said. “We are checking all possible leads, especially when it comes to funding—whether these were done by domestic or possibly even foreign groups.”
In a Facebook post, UPI convenor retired Major General Romeo Poquiz rejected the AFP’s claims, saying the organizers could barely feed their own participants.
“What foreign funding? We couldn’t even feed everyone attending our rally,” Poquiz said.
Trinidad also noted that the rally once again included calls urging the military to “do unconstitutional actions.” But he stressed that the AFP leadership remains firm.
“During the rally conducted over the weekend at the People Power Monument, there were again calls for the AFP to do unconstitutional actions. The statement of the chief of staff has been very clear. The AFP will not involve itself in any unconstitutional activity—not during his watch,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UPI expressed gratitude to supporters who joined the Rally for Accountability, Justice & Integrity from November 16–17.
“Your presence—whether on the streets, online, or within your communities—demonstrated the growing public desire for honest governance and a nation anchored on truth,” the group said.
Poquiz said they regretted that the Quezon City government denied them a permit to continue their peaceful rally. He said the Department of Public Order and Safety had begun removing tents, the stage, and barriers along White Plains Avenue, effectively forcing an early stop to their program.
“The denial is clearly harassment. We comply to avoid confrontation but continue the fight,” Poquiz added.
