THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement Thursday, September 27, that it will never participate in any political action aimed "against duly-constituted authorities."
"We will never allow ourselves in the ranks of the active service to take direct or indirect participation in any political actions against the present duly-constituted authorities," said Colonel Edgard Arevalo.
His statement came after reports that some members of the AFP are joining the opposition to remove President Rodrigo Duterte from office. The Palace said earlier though that the opposition forces will find it difficult to oust the President.
Arevalo assured the public Thursday that the AFP is a professional organization that subscribes to the Constitution that it has sworn to uphold and defend.
"We respect the rule of law and court decisions and processes. This includes the case of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. The matter is already in the purview of the courts. And to the civil courts we defer. We will not issue further statements related to the case," he said.
He added that the AFP respects the courts and observes due process.
"Every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine in the active service is loyal to the Constitution, adherent to the rule of law, and solidly behind of the Chain of Command," Arevalo said.
He also reminded the troops that those found guilty of participating in political actions will be immediately relieved of their posts, investigated, and meted stiff penalties, as ordered by AFP Chief-of-Staff General Carlito Galvez. (SunStar Philippines/PNA)