The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has yet to find any evidence linking active-duty military personnel are involved in an alleged destabilization plot against the government.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH on Sunday, November 16, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said ongoing assessments have yielded no indication that currently serving troops are connected to circulating rumors of efforts to undermine or overthrow the administration.
Her remarks followed AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.’s disclosure that the military’s intelligence community is investigating a list of individuals purportedly aware of or linked to a destabilization effort, according to RH Edniel Parrosa's report.
According to Padilla, the AFP continues to conduct a thorough investigation in coordination with other government agencies.
“Ngayon naman walang validated information na nagpapakita ng pagkakasangkot ng sinumang aktibong miyembro sa anumang tinutukoy natin na mga unconstitutional act na ‘yan,” Padilla said.
“Tuloy-tuloy naman ‘yung ating monitoring and validation process na ginagawa natin ng maingat legal at coordinated tayo with different partner agencies,” she added.
The AFP has been on red alert status since November 15, amid a series of rallies organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo and the United People Initiative, a movement led by retired uniformed personnel calling for justice and transparency in government amid corruption allegations.
Padilla clarified, however, that the heightened alert level has no connection to the internal investigation being conducted at Camp Aguinaldo.
Just meters from the People Power Monument, military personnel held a separate activity coinciding with the INC rally in Manila. The gathering, described as a prayer assembly at Camp Aguinaldo, active AFP members present at the general headquarters participated in prayers advocating adherence to the Constitution and reaffirming the military’s apolitical stance.
The AFP reiterated its commitment to remain non-partisan as events unfolded nearby.
