Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar. (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday assured the public there are no attempts to overthrow the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and that AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. was merely misquoted in the media when speaking about destabilization plots.
"Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the Chief of Staff, AFP, was simply misquoted. In his message to the troops during the change of command ceremony of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) yesterday, Nov. 3, 2023, he 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.," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.
In that ceremony, Brawner presided over the change of command between Wesmincom chief, Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, and AFP Inspector General, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales.
The two officials swapped posts, with Crespillo now becoming AFP Inspector General and Gonzales getting the Wesmincom chief post.
Aguilar said Brawner merely reminded all AFP personnel to remain professional and loyal to their oath to protect the people and the state.
Earlier reports quoted the AFP chief as saying that there was a destabilization plot against the Marcos administration during the turnover ceremonies of the Wesmincom in Zamboanga City Friday.
In a separate interview, Aguilar said there is no credible threat, when asked if there is an active plan to overthrow the government through violent means.
"Wala kaming nakikitang ganun (we see no such thing),” he said.
The AFP, Aguilar said, sees no such threat at this time or even in the near future. (PNA)
