The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied circulating claims that it is planning to “launch a coup” against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
On Thursday, September 25, the AFP rejected a circulating message alleging that the military, with the help of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), would attempt to “remove” the chief executive from office.
“The public is warned in the strongest terms against a vile and malicious fabrication now circulating online, which alleges a supposed coup plot involving the CIA, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Secretary of National Defense,” it said.
“This is an outright LIE. The AFP categorically states that this is dangerous disinformation — a deliberate attempt to poison the minds of our people, weaken the chain of command, and sow division between the Commander-in-Chief and the Armed Forces,” the AFP added.
“Let there be no doubt: the AFP remains loyal to the Constitution and will follow the chain of command. It is fully committed to defending the Republic — not betraying it,” it continued.
The AFP also urged Filipinos to help combat “fake news” by refusing to believe or share the message if they come across it.
“Those who manufacture and spread such baseless stories are not patriots — they are traitors working to undermine peace, stability, and the integrity of our democratic institutions. Truth is our defense. Unity is our strength. Disinformation has no place in our Republic,” it said.
Reports of a rumored military coup had been circulating as early as last week.
“Sources close to and within the military confirmed to This Week in Asia that certain private individuals, former generals, and groups were trying to persuade active-duty officers to withdraw their support for Commander-in-Chief and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr,” South China Morning Post reported on September 15.
It then quoted Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr, who released a joint statement concerning the speculations.
“We reject all attempts to patronise the armed forces by certain groups that insinuate or suggest unconstitutional, unilateral interventions by the [armed forces],” they said before.
Both warned that “at this critical juncture for our national security in the face of threats to our peace and regional stability, politically motivated attempts to distract the armed forces from focusing on their mission are not only futile but also irresponsible.”
They also assured the public that the Department of National Defense and the AFP are “fully committed” to upholding the 1987 Constitution and that the military “abides” by it through the chain of command and its “mandate to the Filipino people” as professional and non-partisan institutions.
