The Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO), an organization comprising retired and active senior leaders of the country’s uniformed services, has formally issued a manifesto rejecting calls for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support from the duly elected President and Commander-in-Chief.
The declaration, titled “Manifesto of Unwavering Support and Solidarity,” prompted immediate praise from the AFP, which hailed the statement for expressing full confidence in the military leadership and upholding the AFP’s professionalism.
AGFO, whose membership includes generals and flag officers from the AFP, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other allied uniformed bureaus, stated it issued the manifesto in response to “current political noise and agitations from certain sectors calling for the AFP to withdraw support.”
“We strongly condemn and reject any calls for the AFP to engage in unconstitutional acts or military adventurism,” the AGFO statement read, explicitly invoking Article XVI, Section 5 of the Constitution, which mandates that the Armed Forces “shall be insulated from partisan politics.”
The group further declared that the sanctity of the Constitution and the principle of civilian supremacy over the military remain the cornerstone of Philippine democracy.
In a statement, the AFP extended its sincere appreciation to AGFO, describing the expression of confidence as a “deeply affirming” message from leaders who dedicated their lives to service.
The AFP emphasized that the unified voice of both retired and active leaders reinforces the enduring principles that guide all service members and reaffirmed that the military remains “a pillar of stability and a steadfast guardian of democracy.”
The manifesto commended the military for its “steadfast refusal to be swayed by partisan interests” and its firm resolve to keep the armed forces united, professional, and loyal to the Constitution.