The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution and the Chain of Command, emphasizing its stance of remaining non-partisan amid the ongoing political-related issues in the country.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is a professional organization focused on its mandate to protect the people and the state. Our personnel are loyal to the Constitution and the Chain of Command," the AFP said in its official statement on November 23.
The AFP issued this statement in response to Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent remarks, where she claimed to have arranged for someone to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her own assassination.
According to the AFP, the nation is currently facing significant challenges that demand the strength and unity of both its people and armed forces.
Furthermore, as a cornerstone of national stability, the AFP reaffirms its commitment to staying non-partisan and upholding the highest respect for democratic institutions and civilian authority.
The AFP urges the public to remain calm and steadfast, emphasizing the importance of upholding respect and nationalism as guiding values during these 'trying times.'
"We reiterate our need to stand together against those who will try to break our bonds as Filipinos," AFP stated.
Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner called on the military to remain focused and not be swayed by the ongoing political conflicts.
“Whoever that may be, hindi po tayo loyal sa tao kundi sa posisyon. In that vow that we took, ‘yung panata natin, sinabi natin na we will continue to uphold the Constitution," Brawner said in his speech at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.
He stated that soldiers should focus on their sworn vow to avoid confusion amidst political controversies.
WATCH: Sa kanyang talumpati sa Camp Aguinaldo ngayong umaga, ipinaalala ni AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. ang sinumpaang tungkulin ng mga sundalo.
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 25, 2024
"Hindi po tayo tapat sa tao, kundi sa posisyon," sabi ni Brawner. | RH 52 @ednielparrosa, DZRH News
📷: AFP Radio pic.twitter.com/8yIKhQ1iL2
According to the Constitution, the elected and sitting President serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP.
