AFP chief denies existence of destabilization plot; says he was misquoted

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Saturday said that he was misquoted and what he said during his speech at the Western Mindanao change of command ceremony in Zamboanga on Friday was "taken out of context."

In Bernadette Reyes' 24 Oras Weekend report, Brawner explained that he made no mention of any destabilization plans or plots and that he respected former military officers who exercised their democratic right to express their opinions on the government.

“Pag sinabi nating plot, parang plano na ito na ie-execute na lang. Ang sinabi ko during my statement was that may mga naririnig tayo na mga ugong-ugong ng mga destabilization efforts. ‘Yun yung specific word na ginamit ko, so I did not use the word ‘plot’,” explained Brawner.

He added that his message only served as a reminder to AFP servicemen to stay true to their oaths following calls for an active protest last September 21.

“Yung oath na kinuha namin seriously that we would protect the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities at 'di dapat kami sumasali sa kahit na ano mang mga movements na meron diyan,” said the Chief of Staff.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año earlier denied the existence of destabilization plots against the President and claimed that the AFP chief was simply misinterpreted.

“I can tell you that there is no security threat to be worried about. The AFP is a professional organization, we follow the law, we follow the chain of command, and we are loyal to the Constitution,” said Aguilar.

The Philippine National Police also stated that they saw no reason for the existence of a destabilization plot.

Malacañang has yet to issue any comment on the matter.

During the Western Mindanao Command’s change of command ceremony on Friday, Brawner said he had heard talk of destabilization efforts. 

"Marami po tayong naririnig ngayon na mga masasabi natin mga destabilization efforts,” Brawner said.

“May mga nagsasabi na dapat palitan ang ating Pangulo dahil sa maraming rason... and sadly some of them were former officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added. — DVM/KG, GMA Integrated news