The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have issued a rare joint statement firmly rejecting calls for military intervention in the country’s political affairs, warning that such actions would threaten democracy and national stability.
Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. signed the statement, which underscored the military’s constitutional duty to remain professional and non-partisan even amid political turbulence.
“At this critical juncture for our national security in the face of threats to our peace and regional stability, politically motivated attempts to distract the Armed Forces of the Philippines from focusing on its mission are not only futile but also irresponsible,” the two officials declared.
They cautioned those advocating for a military solution to the nation’s political issues to remember the turmoil of the early post-Marcos era and the dangers faced by countries that fell under military rule. “There are real dangers of men saddling up on their horses. Look at Myanmar and Thailand in Southeast Asia, and some Latin American and African states in the past,” the statement warned. “Leave the military out of this. The AFP had learned its lessons. It is now more professional.”
Teodoro and Brawner stressed that the DND and AFP “are fully committed to upholding the tenets of the Constitution and our mandate to the Filipino people.”
“As a professional and non-partisan organization, the DND and AFP remain steadfast defenders of our nation and our democratic institutions,” they said. “We reject all attempts to patronize the AFP by certain groups that insinuate or suggest unconstitutional, unilateral interventions by the former. The AFP abides by the Constitution through the chain of command.”
The two leaders also threw their full support behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption drive, describing it as “not just a government initiative—it is a national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress.”
“The strength of our Republic rests on the rule of law and the unity of our people,” the statement read. “At this crucial time, we call on every Filipino to place their trust in our democratic institutions, to respect our processes, and to work together in the spirit of patriotism. True and lasting change can only come through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.”
The joint statement sought to quell rising chatter on social media from groups openly urging the military to withdraw its support from the government amid ongoing political controversies.
