The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed confidence in the professionalism of its ranks despite the renewed call by former President Rodrigo Duterte against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH on Sunday, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla stated that the military will not betray the public's trust, as reflected in recent survey results.
Furthermore, the AFP's attention is said to be focused on carrying out the directive given to them by President Marcos Jr. to ensure that the 2025 elections will be orderly and peaceful.
"Tiwala po kami na ang bawat miyembro po ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas is professional po. We are a professional organization through the years, pinakita po natin ‘yan,” Padilla said.
"Kung makita niyo po sa mga latest surveys that came out, continues po na nama-maintain po ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ang tiwala ng publiko," she added.
Speaking at an indignation rally in Cebu on Saturday, the former President claimed that President Marcos Jr. might not step down in 2028 and could follow his father’s example by declaring martial law to prevent elections and extend his rule.
The former President once again urged the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take action to prevent the Marcos Jr. administration from allegedly leading the country into a dictatorship.
Malacañang quickly rebuked Duterte's recent statement that Marcos Jr. is "veering towards dictatorship," calling it yet another "hoax."
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen are scheduled to meet on Monday morning.
Their discussions will include enhancing cooperation and tackling regional security concerns in the area.
The two officials also visited significant military facilities, including Basa Air Base in Pampanga and Wallace Air Station in La Union, where one of the Philippine Air Force's radar systems, provided by Japan, is installed.
