MANILA, Philippines 鈥 The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to keep its support to the Constitution and chain of command, following an ouster call against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
鈥淭he AFP reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, loyalty to the Constitution, and strict adherence to the Chain of Command,鈥 AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a text message Monday.
She also said the AFP is committed to maintaining peace in the country and remaining impartial.
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鈥淥ur soldiers, pilots, sailors and marines remain dedicated to our mandate of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines, regardless of any political affiliations or individuals in authority,鈥 Padilla said.
鈥淥ur duty is to protect the Filipino people and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that peace and development will prevail throughout the nation. We will continue to fulfill these responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and utmost dedication,鈥 she added.
On Sunday, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez called on the armed forces to peacefully withdraw their support for Marcos.
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During a rally in the province鈥檚 Tagum City, Alvarez said: 鈥淧ag sumabog ang gulo sa (Once the conflict erupts in the) West Philippine Sea, there will be countless of dead bodies, there would be unimaginable destruction, famine, hunger.鈥
鈥淜aya bago mangyari 鈥榶an lahat, nakikiusap ako sa inyo (So even before all of that happen, I am asking you), we don鈥檛 have to hurt each other, we don鈥檛 have to fire a single shot. Simple lang (It鈥檚 simple), sa mapayapang paraan (in a peaceful way), please withdraw your support to the chief executive,鈥 Alvarez added, in an apparent address to the AFP.