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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday denounced circulating rumors of military divisions as “disinformation,” amid heightened tensions following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s dismissal of his vice president from the cabinet.
Military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla issued the statement after social media posts claimed soldiers were massing at a key base in Manila, suggesting potential military unrest following political developments.
“The AFP categorically denies these malicious posts and labels them as dangerous disinformation,” Padilla said. “The AFP remains united, professional, and true to its mandate of protecting the people and the state.”
The military’s response comes during a politically sensitive period in the Philippines, following President Marcos’ decision to remove Vice President Sara Duterte from her concurrent role as education secretary. Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, had been a crucial ally during the 2022 elections when the two formed a powerful political tandem that swept them to victory.
Political analysts note that the deteriorating relationship between the country’s top two officials represents a significant shift in Philippine politics. The Marcos-Duterte alliance had initially represented a unification of two of the nation’s most powerful political dynasties.
Vice President Duterte, who tendered her “irrevocable resignation” last week, has maintained a strong support base, particularly in her southern stronghold of Davao City, where she previously served as mayor. Her father, Rodrigo Duterte, continues to command considerable influence despite leaving office in 2022.
The military’s quick response to quash rumors of division within its ranks underscores the delicate nature of civil-military relations in the Philippines, a country that has experienced military coup attempts in previous decades, particularly during the political instability of the 1980s.
Dr. Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, explained in a recent interview that such rumors can be particularly damaging in a fragile political climate. “The Philippines has a history of military interventions during political crises, so even unfounded rumors can create unnecessary panic and economic instability,” she said.
The situation has heightened concerns about potential political instability affecting investment climate and economic recovery efforts in a nation still rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial markets showed slight nervousness following the cabinet reshuffling, with the peso briefly weakening against the dollar before stabilizing.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro also issued a separate statement affirming the military’s professionalism and non-partisan stance. “The AFP remains committed to constitutional processes and civilian supremacy. Any suggestion otherwise serves only to undermine our democratic institutions,” Teodoro emphasized.
President Marcos has moved quickly to appoint a replacement for Duterte at the Education Department, naming veteran education administrator Dr. Sonny Angara as the new secretary, signaling his intention to maintain governance stability despite the political rupture.
Military historian Dr. Jose Antonio Custodio noted that the AFP has significantly professionalized since the tumultuous period of the 1980s. “Today’s military leadership has shown consistent adherence to the chain of command and civilian authority. The quick denial of these rumors reflects their understanding of how damaging such speculation can be,” Custodio said.
The Philippine National Police has also been placed on heightened alert to monitor any potential security concerns arising from political developments, though officials stressed this was standard procedure during periods of political transition.
As the political situation continues to evolve, government officials have called for calm and unity, emphasizing that democratic processes remain firmly in place despite changes in the cabinet composition. The president’s communications team has announced plans for Marcos to address the nation in the coming days to outline his administration’s direction following the recent developments.
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14 Comments
It’s reassuring to see the military reaffirm its commitment to its constitutional mandate, despite the political turmoil. Maintaining unity and professionalism will be key in navigating this challenging period for the Philippines.
Exactly. The military’s role as a stabilizing force is critical, and they must remain above partisan politics to ensure the country’s security and well-being.
The relationship between the president and vice president is clearly strained, and that could have serious implications for the country. I hope the military can help provide a sense of stability and reassurance to the public during this time.
Yes, the military’s impartiality and commitment to serving the nation as a whole will be essential in preventing the political tensions from escalating further.
Dismissing the vice president from the cabinet is a bold move by President Marcos. I wonder how this will impact the government’s stability and ability to address key issues facing the Philippines. Hopefully, the military can help maintain order during this transition.
That’s a good point. The military’s neutrality and professionalism will be crucial in ensuring a smooth political transition, despite the tensions between the top officials.
Disinformation is a serious threat, and I’m glad the AFP is taking it seriously. Spreading false claims about military divisions could undermine public trust and confidence, which is the last thing the country needs right now.
Absolutely. The military must remain vigilant and proactive in countering such dangerous narratives, especially on social media where they can spread rapidly.
Disinformation can be a real threat to national security, so I’m glad the AFP is taking it seriously. Spreading false claims about military divisions could sow panic and undermine public trust, which is the last thing the country needs right now.
Agreed. The military must remain vigilant and proactive in countering such dangerous narratives, especially on social media where they can spread rapidly.
Glad to see the AFP taking a firm stance against disinformation. It’s crucial for the military to remain united and professional, especially during politically sensitive times. Spreading rumors of division can sow instability, so I’m glad they’re addressing this head-on.
Absolutely. The military needs to stay above the political fray and focus on its core mission of protecting the country and its people.
It’s good to see the AFP taking a clear stance against the rumors of military divisions. Maintaining unity and professionalism is crucial, especially during politically sensitive times like these. Hopefully, this will help reassure the public and prevent further escalation of tensions.
Yes, the military’s role as a stabilizing force is critical, and they must continue to demonstrate their commitment to serving the nation as a whole, regardless of political differences.