NO DESTABILIZATION PLOT VS MARCOS – AÑO

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Saturday said that there was no plan to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr..

Año issued the pronouncement in reaction to statements made by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. apparently confirming a destabilization plot.

On Friday, during the change of command ceremony at the Western Mindanao Command, Brawner said that he heard a lot of calls for destabilization.

“Many were saying to change the President because of many reasons; some are saying there will be a coup d’état again,” Brawner said.

“And sadly, some of them were former officers of the AFP, and I talked to some of them. I told them, ‘Sir, you have the right to do that because we are a democracy, but please do not involve the active personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,'” he added.

Brawner said he warned his soldiers not to join any of these movements because those times are over, and they want the country to move forward.

The official added that once they find out that any active personnel is involved in the alleged plot, they will act swiftly but judiciously.

“So, let’s not think about it. Pity our country; let’s give our country a chance to move forward to progress,” he added.

Año reiterated that the AFP and the entire security sector were loyal to their commander-in-chief and would not be influenced to join any destabilization plot against the government.

“Yes, there were healthy and passionate exchanges or debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space. Although often abused, they are part of the freedom of expression where most are academic discussions or politically motivated,” the national security adviser said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said that Brawner was “ simply misquoted.”

The spokesperson also noted that Brawner only reminded all AFP personnel “to remain professional and loyal to their oath to protect the people and the State. Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda assured the public that the entire police force is in full support of the government amid reported calls for destabilization.

Acorda also said that the PNP “does not see any reason” for a destabilization.

“For us in the PNP, we do not see any threat, and we are very confident that the government is stable,” the country’s top cop said.