The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied claims circulating on Chinese platforms that the military had cut ties or developed a rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the Senate gunfire incident.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the military rejects what it described as malicious narratives aimed at creating the impression of division within the government and the security sector.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines categorically denies malicious claims circulating on Chinese platforms regarding a supposed rift or ‘severing of ties’ between the military and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the Senate gunfire incident,” Trinidad said in a statement from the Office of the AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.
The AFP said the claims were part of influence operations meant to stir instability and manufacture internal conflict.
“These narratives are blatant influence operations designed to manufacture internal division where none exists,” Trinidad said.
He stressed that the AFP remains professional, united, and loyal to the Constitution.
The military also reaffirmed that it remains under the command of Marcos as commander-in-chief.
“The AFP stands united under the command of President Marcos Jr. as Commander-in-Chief,” Trinidad said.
The AFP urged the public to disregard what it called destabilizing foreign narratives and rely only on official and verified information.