A MILITARY official yesterday said there is no brewing destabilization move against government amid the filing of impeachment cases against Vice President Sara Duterte whose father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, asked the military and police establishments last month to “protect the Constitution” amid a “fractured” government.
“There is nothing to worry about … I would like to emphasize, as mentioned by our Chief of Staff (Gen. Romeo Brawner), we’ll be mission-focused and will abide by the duly constituted authority,” Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the newly-activated AFP Intelligence Command, told senators during a confirmation hearing.
Also yesterday, President Marcos Jr. reminded recently promoted military generals and flag officers to always “stand with your troops, stand for the Constitution, and above all, stand for the Filipino people”.
He made the statement during the oathtaking of 36 AFP officers in Malacañang.
“As our senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I enjoin you to lead with honor, serve with integrity, and inspire others with your example. Stand with your troops, stand for the Constitution, and above all, stand for the Filipino people,” he also said.
At the hearing of the Committee on National Defense of the Commission on Appointments (CA), Batangas Rep. Marvey Marino asked Barandon if they have information about retired military officers planning to destabilize the government due to the impeachment moves against the Vice President.
Barandon said, “As to the retired officers, I think I’m not in the position to talk about what they are thinking or what they would want to do.”
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa told Barandon “it behooves upon the leadership of the armed forces to maintain solidarity” and thwart moves of destabilizers to infiltrate the ranks.
“Make sure that it is not penetrated by destabilizers. Make sure you are united and don’t let yourselves be divided so that there will be no conflict. You should be one,” Dela Rosa said.
Barandon said the AFP is united and there are no efforts to destabilize the government. He said military officials are “professional and mission-oriented” and they always follow the chain of command.
President Marcos, at the oathtaking, said the Armed Forces should remain “steadfast, resourceful, and unyielding in its resolve as it continues to face “complex and dynamic challenges — threats to our sovereignty, lawless elements that undermine peace, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters.”
Marcos recognized the AFP’s crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and in responding to calamities,
He encouraged the AFP to continue empowering soldiers to better serve communities, to train them to act with both skill and empathy, and ensure that their actions embody the highest ideals of public service.
