President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remains confident that the country’s soldiers and police officers will always act according to what is right and proper, despite reports of supposed efforts by retired officials to convince the military to withdraw support from his administration.
In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, October 7, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro revealed that the President has long been aware of these attempts.
“Matagal na po niya ‘tong nalaman, kahit naman po before pa September 21, ay mayroong mga maliliit na grupo na nagsa-suggest ng ganito pero according nga po kay [Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief] General Brawner at [Philippine National Police Chief] General Nartatez, ay mananatili po silang ‘loyal’ sa Konstitusyon at sa chain-of-command, so wala dapat pong ipag-alala ang taumbayan patungkol po dito,” Castro said.
When asked if the President felt “bothered” or “worried” by the reports, Castro clarified that Marcos maintains full trust in the professionalism and dedication of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Kinikilala niya po ang kagalingan ng AFP at PNP, at ang lahat ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan natin, at tiwala po siya na gagawin nila ang dapat at nararapat,” she said.
Castro added that the Palace is reviewing the situation to determine whether any individuals should be held accountable.
“Aaralin po kung ano po mismo ang naganap na dito para kung mayroon man pong dapat na managot, siguro po ay dapat makasuhan,” she explained, when asked if the matter could be considered an “act of sedition” or “treason.”
Earlier, AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. firmly dismissed rumors of a coup or destabilization plot within the ranks of the military.
“Let me reassure our countrymen that the AFP remains strong, professional, and firmly loyal to the chain of command. We are a disciplined institution, grounded in respect for the Constitution, civilian authority, and the rule of law,” Brawner said.
With the AFP and PNP leadership affirming their loyalty, the Palace emphasized that there is no reason for the public to be alarmed.