MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday urged organizers of the so-called peace rallies to secure their ranks to prevent would-be infiltrators from making trouble during their gatherings.
The Iglesia Ni Christo will be holding the “Rally for Transparency and Better Democracy” at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila from Nov. 16 to 18.
Meanwhile, the United People’s Initiative will hold another rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Nov. 16.
“Nananawagan kami sa kanila to secure, to police their ranks to make sure na hindi po sila masingitan dahil may mga nagre-report po sa atin, pati na rin sa Philippine National Police (PNP) na baka maaring masisingitan sila (We are calling them to secure, to police their ranks to make sure that they will not be infiltrated, because we have received reports, even the PNP, regarding these possibilities),” the AFP chief said during an ambush interview in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Brawner said they are not discounting the possibility that these infiltrators might just detonate a grenade and injure peace-loving Filipinos.
“So, we are asking the organizers to really, really make sure na safe, peaceful yung yung kanilang mga rally (that their rallies are safe and peaceful),” he stressed.
The AFP chief assured the public that the military and police will be deployed to ensure that peace and order prevail over the proceedings.
Brawner said the AFP reiterates its respect for the rights of all Filipinos to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“These are freedoms we are sworn to protect. The AFP will work closely with law enforcement authorities to guarantee that these gatherings remain orderly, safe, and consistent with the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brawner said the AFP will not be involved in any coup d’etat, stressing that the military is a professional organization.
He added that the AFP will not resort to unconstitutional means to bring about change.
“The AFP remains a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution, unwavering in its loyalty to the Constitution, the democratic principles it is sworn to defend, and to the Filipino people it serves,” he said in a separate statement.
“Amid ongoing speculation circulating in various platforms, we assure our countrymen that the AFP is focused on its mandate. Our soldiers perform their duties with professionalism, unity, and full respect for civilian authority. With full conviction, I assure the public that the armed forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution. Not today, not tomorrow, and certainly not under my watch,” he said.
As part of its responsibility to protect national stability, Brawner said the security sector continues to carefully monitor and validate information that may affect public safety or constitutional order.
“These processes are deliberate, lawful, and coordinated with our partner agencies. We encourage everyone to remain discerning and to rely only on verified and official information, ” he said.
Brawner also said that the AFP intelligence community is now looking into the purported list of persons involved in a plot to destabilize the government.
“The AFP take such threats seriously,” he said. (PNA)
