The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it supports the anti-corruption drive but reminded soldiers to remain professional amid brewing massive rallies on September 21.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that while the AFP respects the views of soldiers, they must never show any political bias and must only pledge allegiance to the flag, duly constituted authorities, and the Constitution.
“As we wear the uniform, we do not have any other color than the uniform that we wear,” Padilla told reporters in a weekly media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
The AFP will be on red alert, its highest alert status, for the September 21 rallies to remain on standby for any eventuality.
Padilla clarified that the red alert status should not be interpreted as support for any politician or individual involved.
“Let us not compare apples and oranges. Ang pag-red alert namin is for security, national security in general and not for any political color,” Padilla said.
(Our red alert is for security, national security in general, and not for any political color.)
Anti-corruption demonstrations have grown in recent weeks and are expected to expand further, as calls to fill Luneta Park in Manila on September 21 spread on social media.
Padilla said no threats have been monitored regarding the expected massive gathering.
