AFP seeks to be ‘insulated from political noise’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday said that it remains steadfast in its commitment to to remain professional and non-partisan, amid questions about its role in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and rumors of resignations among its ranks.

Military spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla reiterated that Duterte's arrest on March 11 on an International Criminal Court was a law enforcement operation conducted by the Philippine National Police and Interpol.

“Ito po sinabi na rin po ito ng ating Secretary of National Defense, si Secretary Teodoro. Ito po is a law enforcement operation primarily. So ang pinaka-role po ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas dito is to assist in this law enforcement operation.”

(This has already been stated by our Secretary of National Defense, Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. It was primarily a law enforcement operation. The main role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines here was to assist in this law enforcement operation.)

Padilla also addressed rumors circulating online that there were resignations within the AFP following Duterte’s arrest. 

“No, walang katotohanan po ito. There are no resignations in the AFP po. Kung meron man pong gustong mag-resign, the online is not the forum to do it.” 

(No, this is not true. There are no resignations in the AFP. If anyone wishes to resign, online platforms are not the proper forum to do so.)

'Political noise'

Regarding Senator Chiz Escudero’s statement on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged appeal for support from the AFP and PNP, Padilla reiterated the AFP’s neutrality. 

“As I said, ang ating Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas [our Armed Forces], we are a professional organization. At ang ating panawagan dito [Our appeal] is for us to be insulated from political noise.”

She added that the AFP is focused on national security, especially with the upcoming elections. 

Disinformation

Padilla also warned against the spread of fake news, stating that many misleading posts and videos are being used to distort information, and urged Filipinos to be critical of online content. 

“Napakarami sir, ma’am na lumalabas ng mga mal-information, misinformation, disinformation. Ito po ay mga fake news.”

(There are so many cases of mal-information, misinformation, and disinformation. These are fake news.)

“In the physical world, kung makikita niyo po, we are business as usual. So sana din po, mag-resonate ito sa online na buo po ang sambayan ng Pilipinas.”

(In the physical world, as you can see, we are business as usual. Hopefully, this will also resonate online that the Filipino nation remains intact.)

Women's Month

As the nation celebrates Women’s Month, Padilla—the first female spokesperson in the AFP's 88-year history—also highlighted the significant role of women in the male-dominated institution. 

“While it is challenging, it's also very humbling on my part. And hopefully, we'll continue to give the voice and the say of the AFP in matters of concern,” she said.

She also highlighted the AFP’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, pointing out that women are now taking on leadership roles in various fields, including operations, training, and administration. 

“Nung pumasok po ang mga kababaihan, nabigyan na po tayo ng pagkakataon to be in different fields. And now we're rising up towards being in so much leadership roles na rin po.”

(When women entered the AFP, we were given opportunities in different fields. And now, we are rising to take on more leadership roles as well.) — BM, GMA Integrated News