DURING the change of command ceremonies at the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on Friday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner publicly disclosed the existence of destabilization plots against President Bong Bong Marcos, involving retired military officers. However, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar immediately conveyed to the media on Saturday his belief that the situation had been resolved, asserting that “there is no credible threat to our security.”
In response to this matter, the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao issued the following statement:
“The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) stands united with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. in preventing any destabilization plot against the current administration. We have not monitored any persuasion moves within our ranks or any unauthorized movement in our joint operational area (JOA).
“LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander EastMinCom, consistently reminds all troops, “To remain professional and dedicated to their constitutional mandates and stern duty of protecting the people and the state.”
“Our significant administrative and operational gains have consistently been progressive. We will not engage in any other activities not congruent to what we have sworn to do.”
While subsequent news reports have suggested that the AFP Chief of Staff might have been misquoted, I personally have full confidence in General Brawner’s integrity and judgment. I have always regarded General Brawner as a person of utmost integrity, transparency, respect, and professionalism.
His dialogues have the potential to bring about a change of heart among those intending to destabilize the government. It is my firm belief that General Brawner’s dialogue efforts can persuade those intending to destabilize the government to reconsider their actions.
