Military assures its support to Duterte

August 22, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured its support to President Rodrigo Duterte and denies any links to a group which claimed to be a representative of the military and police calling for the ouster of the chief executive. “The entire AFP along with all the men and women of the uniformed services and all our civilian personnel stand by the constitutionally mandated government and unequivocally supports the Commander-in-Chief,” Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla,  AFP spokesman, said in a statement issued Tuesday. The AFP issued their statement in response to the reported call of Patriotic and Democratic Movement (PADEM), who are claiming to be representatives of AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) to oust Duterte for alleged “betrayal of public trust and in violation of national sovereignty and democratic rights of the Filipino people.” “The AFP categorically denies the recent statement issued by a group that pretends to be representative of the men and women of the AFP and the PNP and called themselves the Patriotic and Democratic Movement (PADEM),” said Padilla. “The accusations and issues cited by the group are unfounded and uncalled for. Such issues are clearly politically motivated and a matter that the AFP does not and will not subscribe to,” he added.. Padilla noted that the “current developments and issues that this group wishes to take advantage of are now being addressed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and parties to a possible crime are now under detention.” “Let us respect these processes and not allow ourselves to be used by individuals or groups with vested interests. We appeal for sobriety, reason and patience as we await the results of these processes,” he said. “We are the constitutionally mandated protectors of the people and will stand by our law abiding citizens whenever and wherever we are needed. Having affirmed this, the AFP however, will not hesitate in acting against forces who shall undermine the stability and security of our country and those who wish to destabilize our nation thru unconstitutional means,” he added. Padilla noted that the Armed Forces also “appeals to the public and the various political groups to respect the apolitical stance of the AFP and help bring unity and healing instead of fomenting divisiveness and collapse.” Robina Asido/DMS