Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military has not monitored any internal threat ahead of a purported June 12 protest against corruption in the Marcos administration.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday night, Brawner said the AFP has been continuously monitoring its ranks and has not seen indications that soldiers would join the planned demonstration.
“We are conducting continuing monitoring within the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and so far, we have not seen threats coming from within,” Brawner said.
“I believe that our soldiers are disciplined and very professional. Coming from the commanders on the ground, they said they are not seeing any threat from the inside,” he added.
Brawner said the military is taking seriously social media posts calling for protests on June 12, which coincides with the country’s Independence Day commemoration.
Reports claimed that supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte were planning to storm Malacañang on that day.
“We are closely monitoring the situation through our intelligence units,” Brawner said, adding that the AFP is working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies.
The AFP chief also appealed to the public to stop using his name and photo to encourage people to join the rally.
“It is saddening that even my picture is being used to encourage Filipinos to join the rally that will happen on June 12,” he said.
The social media posts urged Filipinos across the country to take part in the protest. One post made by an account named “Makata ng Bayan” last Friday said silence on corruption was treason and called on Filipinos to unite and protect the country’s future.
The post included a photo of the account owner and Brawner.
Brawner said he also received text messages asking whether it was true that the AFP had withdrawn support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“That is not true. We remain a united, disciplined, and professional force,” Brawner said.
He said the military would continue to fulfill its mandate of defending the country.