The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to protect people’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“The AFP emphasizes that the right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of democracy, one that must be respected and facilitated, provided it is exercised responsibly, peacefully, and without compromising public safety,” the military said in a statement.
“As the nation navigates a critical juncture in its democratic journey, the AFP assures the Filipino people that it remains a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution. The military stands as a steadfast guardian of the Republic, fully committed to preserving democratic institutions, supporting lawful civic expression, and safeguarding the welfare of every Filipino,” it added.
Likewise, the military called on the public to work together in maintaining a climate of peace and order “where freedoms and rights are exercised responsibly and where civic engagement strengthens rather than undermines national stability.”
“The AFP is united, resolute, and unwavering in its duty to defend the nation and protect every Filipino’s right to live in a secure, stable, and free society,” it said.
Protests had been frequent for the past two months amid the raging controversy over alleged corruption involving public officials in flood control projects.
The next rally linked to the flood control mess is scheduled on November 30, coinciding with the 162nd birth anniversary of Filipino revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio and two months after an anti-corruption protest dubbed as “Baha sa Luneta” was held at the Luneta Park in Manila
Numerous mass demonstrations have been held in different parts of the country to condemn the corruption in the government, which implicated several government officials and employees.
Since then, the 20th Congress launched investigations into the fiasco of government infrastructure projects and cases have been filed against those who allegedly got kickbacks from them.
