The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) labeled as “misleading” the claims made by Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte regarding the United States (U.S.) Typhon mid-range missile system during an interview on DZRH with AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., according to RH Edniel Parrosa's report.

In a statement, AFP said that Brawner was merely stating a “technical fact” when he mentioned on the Damdaming Bayan program that U.S.-supplied missiles stationed in the Philippines can reach China.

The AFP emphasized that any insinuation suggesting that the military or its leadership serves foreign interests is false and undermines the integrity, professionalism, and patriotism of its members, who continue to defend Philippine sovereignty.

“All defense initiatives and partnerships are conducted in line with the Philippines’ independent foreign policy and sovereign prerogative,” the AFP said in a statement.

It is recalled that Brawner confirmed that the medium-range Typhon missiles can cover mainland China, including its artificial islands.

In response, Duterte accused the AFP of “showing off” for the U.S.

However, the AFP clarified that the country’s defense partnerships remain aligned with an independent foreign policy. This includes the temporary deployment of the Typhon MRC missiles, which are intended solely for training purposes for Filipino soldiers.

The AFP also urged other government officials to stop spreading “misinformation” that could undermine public confidence in the military.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Filipino people and defending the nation’s sovereignty, stating that it serves “no one but the Filipino, and protecting nothing but the Philippines.”

It can be recalled that Duterte on Saturday criticized Brawner Jr. for his recent remarks pointing out that U.S. missiles in the Philippines could reach China.