The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Security Council (NSC) denied that there was a destabilization plot to oust President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
In a statement issued Saturday, Nov. 4, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner “was misquoted or misinterpreted by the media” when he revealed in a speech the "destabilization efforts" of former or retired AFP officers.
“[T]here is no destabilization plot/movement against the government. The AFP and the entire security sector are loyal to the commander in chief and will not be influenced to join any destabilization plot against the government,” he said.
READ: National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, itinanggi ang ‘destabilization plot’ vs gobyerno
— Edniel Parrosa (@ednielparrosa) November 4, 2023
Sa pahayag ng NSC, tinawag ni Año na ‘healthy and passionate exchanges/debates’ ang binibitiwan ng ilang dating opisyal ng AFP hinggil sa ilang polisiya ng PBBM admin. @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/c5mb5dZU4J
Año said "healthy and passionate exchanges or debates" among former military officers happen, and oftentimes, they criticized the current administration’s existing policies.
But the National Security Adviser noted that these criticisms are made “within the bounds of our democratic space.”
“The security sector shall remain vigilant and ready to take immediate action against any sinister group that will undermine our national security,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the media, Brawner contended that he "was taken out of context.”
“I was taken out of context. I did not mention about the destabilization plot kasi kapag sinabi nating plot ay parang plano na ito at i-execute na. Ang sinabi ko, in my statement, may naririning tayo na destabilization efforts, ayun yung specific word,” he said.
The AFP Chief of Staff underscored that he did not state there was a “stabilization plot.”
Speaking to the Western Mindanao Command troops during the change of command ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3, the AFP uttered: “Marami po tayong naririnig ngayon ng mga masasabi nating mga destabilization efforts. May nagsasabi na dapat palitan ang ating pangulo dahil sa maraming rason. May nagsasabi na dapat magkaroon na ulit ng coup d’etat.”
“And sadly, some of them were former officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added.
