The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been placed on red alert ahead of nationwide demonstrations against alleged corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly flood control.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said all units are on standby to support the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has the primary responsibility of maintaining peace and order during protests.
“Ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas po nirerespeto po natin ito pong karapatan ng ating citizens to peaceably assemble and express po yung views,” Padilla said in a radio interview.
She clarified that the red alert is a “standard security protocol” requiring more personnel on standby in camps and the suspension of leave privileges. “Lahat po ng units ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas have been placed na po on red alert status… This is simply to ensure po yung readiness and support po natin sa Philippine National Police,” she added.
Padilla also warned against attempts to infiltrate or hijack legitimate protests. “Hindi po natin papayagan ang sinuman pong indibidwal o grupo na gamitin po ang sitwasyong ito para maghahasik po ng karahasan, pagkakawatak-watak po sa ating lipunan o kaguluhan,” she said.
On calls for the military to withdraw support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Padilla stressed the AFP’s loyalty. “We reject these calls… The solution must be found in our democratic institutions and rule of law, not through extra-constitutional means,” she said.
