‘Misquoted’ AFP chief Brawner says no destabilization plot vs Marcos

ARMED Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. clarified there was no destabilization plot against the Marcos administration, with security officials saying his remarks were taken out of context.

The AFP chief recently told troops in Zamboanga City that he had heard talk of destabilization efforts by some retired military officers who were allegedly unsatisfied with the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

On Saturday, Brawner said he never claimed there was a ”plot” to unseat Marcos. 

“Pag sinabi nating plot, parang plano na ito na ie-execute na lang. Ang sinabi ko during my statement was that may mga naririnig tayo na mga ugong-ugong ng mga destabilization efforts. ‘Yun yung specific word na ginamit ko, so I did not use the word ‘plot’,” Brawner said.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Brawner ”was misquoted or misinterpreted by the media while he was talking to the troops.”

”Yes, there were healthy and passionate exchanges/debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space. Although often abused, they are part of the freedom of expression where most are academic discussions or politically motivated,” Año, a former AFP chief, said in a statement.

”But there is no destabilization plot/movement against the government.”

AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said ”there is no security threat to be worried about.”

“[Brawner] merely mentioned the reported efforts by certain individuals to upset the peace and stability that the country is enjoying right now under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Aguilar said.

”The AFP is a professional organization; we follow the law, we follow the chain of command, and we are loyal to the Constitution.”

Año said the military and the entire security sector would not be influenced to join any destabilization plot against the government. 

”The security sector shall remain vigilant and ready to take immediate action against any sinister group that will undermine our national security,” he said.