The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains loyal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
Following a call by Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez for the AFP to withdraw support from President Marcos, Brawner stressed on Tuesday, April 16, that the Chief Executive remains the Commander-in-Chief of the Philippines.
"The President is our Commander-in-Chief. Whoever the President is, it is very clear that we will follow the chain of command. Susundan namin yung mga utos ng aming Commander-in-Chief," Brawner told reporters.
In an earlier statement, Col. France Margareth Padilla, spokesperson of AFP, said that soldiers, pilots, sailors and marines of the country remain dedicated to their mandate 'of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines, regardless of any political affiliations or individuals in authority.
"The AFP reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, loyalty to the Constitution, and strict adherence to the Chain of Command," Padilla said in a message to reporters.
Padilla added that the AFP has the duty to protect the 'Filipino people and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that peace and development will prevail throughout the nation'.
"We will continue to fulfill these responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and utmost dedication," Padilla assured.
During a rally on Sunday, April 15, in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, Alvarez said that President Marcos will have no choice but to step down if the AFP withdraws support.
Alvarez stressed that AFP should protect the Filipino people, and expressed concern regarding a possible war in the West Philippine Sea.
In the past few months, tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea due to China blocking resupply missions of the Philippines to BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded vessel in the the Second Thomas Shoal.
