Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday assured the public that the military “remains professional and disciplined” following a shooting incident at the Senate building.
Meanwhile, members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 issued a manifesto expressing their “firm and unwavering support” for their classmate, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, amid the controversies and legal issues currently surrounding him.
The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) also called on its members to remain “united, calm, circumspect, and non-partisan” amid ongoing public debates involving Dela Rosa.
In giving the assurance, Brawner said there was no indication that soldiers were involved in any destabilization effort.
In a message sent to reporters, Brawner said he has instructed soldiers nationwide to stay focused on their duties.
“My instructions to the soldiers nationwide is for everyone to remain calm, disciplined and professional. We should only focus on our jobs and leave politics to the politicians,” Brawner said.
The AFP chief clarified that Marines deployed at the Senate were not involved in the firing incident.
“We talked with their commander. They did not fire because they were there to support. Hence, it was the OSAA that opened fire,” he said, referring to the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
Brawner explained that the Marines seen inside the Senate building were members of the Marine Security and Escort Group (MSEG) who were tasked with securing government facilities.
“We have a security detachment at the Senate; we also have one at Congress and other offices, DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). It is their job to secure the facility,” he said.
Brawner also said the setup was similar to the deployment of Marines in key government institutions in the United States.
The AFP chief dismissed concerns that the shooting incident could trigger military unrest or involvement of the military in destabilization efforts.
“The armed forces are very professional, so we are not worried that what happened last night could spark something that could destabilize the soldiers,” he said.
Brawner confirmed that the AFP has not raised its alert status following the incident.
The AFP chief said military officials, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., coordinated Wednesday night to determine what transpired at the Senate.
He added that while authorities are examining all possible angles, the AFP sees no indication linking the incident to any destabilization plot.
In the statement, Dela Rosa’s classmates said they stand united behind him whom they described as a leader who has consistently carried the values of courage, integrity, loyalty, and service throughout his years in the military, the police service, and public office.
“We know him not only by name, rank, or public office. We know him by the years we spent together under the discipline, hardship, and brotherhood of the Academy,” the manifesto read.
The group also stressed that public service, particularly in matters involving peace and order, requires difficult decisions made under pressure and risk.
They emphasized their belief that any legal process involving Dela Rosa must be “fair, lawful, and free from political persecution.”
“As his mistahs, we stand shoulder to shoulder with him — not out of blind loyalty, but out of faith in the man we have known, trained with, served with, and respected,” the statement added.
PMA alumni group urges unity, non-partisanship amid issues involving Sen. dela Rosa
In an official statement, PMAAAI chairman and chief executive Ricardo David Jr. appealed to alumni of the Philippine Military Academy to maintain mutual respect despite possible differences in opinion and duty.
“We recognize that among Cavaliers there may be differing views and perspectives on the matter, including those who may stand on different sides of the issue in the performance of their respective duties and convictions,” David said.
“Such differences, however, should never diminish our mutual respect as brothers in the Corps,” he added.
The PMAAAI said it remains guided by the principles of justice, due process, respect for the rule of law, and institutional independence.
David also urged members to uphold the values of “honor, integrity, professionalism, and unity,” while avoiding “divisive rhetoric, personal attacks, and premature judgment.”
“Our brotherhood must remain stronger than our differences,” the statement read.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Brawner: No destabilization after Senate chaos.”
