By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has long been aware of reports about alleged attempts by certain factions to push for a coup d’état, but Malacañang on Tuesday said he is not alarmed and continues to trust the loyalty of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President was informed about the matter even before the Sept. 21 protest actions.
“Matagal na po niyang alam ito kahit before September 21 ay mayroong mga maliliit na grupo na nagsu-suggest ng ganito (He has long been aware of this, even before September 21, that there were small groups suggesting such things),” Castro said in a press briefing at the Palace.
“According nga to [AFP chief] Gen. Brawner and [PNP chief] Gen. Nartatez, mananatili po silang loyal sa Konstitusyon at sa chain of command. So wala pong dapat ipag-alala ang ating taumbayan patungkol dito (According to Gen. Brawner and Gen. Nartatez, they will remain loyal to the Constitution and chain of command. So the public has nothing to worry about),” she added.
Castro said Marcos recognizes the professionalism and dedication of the country’s security forces.
“Kinikilala niya po ang kagalingan ng AFP at PNP at lahat ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan natin at tiwala po sila na gagawin nila ang dapat at nararapat (He recognizes the excellence of the AFP, the PNP, and all our soldiers and police, and he trusts that they will do what is right and necessary),” she said.
Asked if the Palace considers the reported approach to military officials as an act of sedition or treason, Castro said authorities are studying the matter.
“Aaralin po kung ano mismo ang naganap dito para kung mayroong dapat managot ay dapat makasuhan (We will study what exactly took place so that if anyone must be held accountable, they will be charged accordingly),” she added.
AFP chief of staff Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier confirmed that a group of eight retired generals and colonels approached him on Sept. 20 to urge him to act against corruption in government and to withdraw military support from Marcos in favor of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Brawner said he rebuffed the overture, reiterating that the AFP remains loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command.
The meeting reportedly took place at Camp Aguinaldo on the eve of nationwide protests over flood control corruption scandal. (PNA)
