MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday that it has placed all of its units and personnel under red alert in preparation for expected mass gatherings for the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
At a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Col. Francel Margaret Padilla, AFP spokesman, said the red alert was a standard readiness measure to ensure troops and resources were on standby in case the Philippine National Police (PNP) needed assistance.
“As early as 21 February, we have already raised our status to Red Alert. So, ibig sabihin nyan, naka-standby na po ang ating tropa for any eventuality,” Padilla said.
“So, our resources and troops are ready for deployment if needed. We can augment under the [National Capital Region Command] for this,” she added.
Padilla said the AFP has not monitored any significant threat relating to the conduct of the rallies for the EDSA commemoration.
“The AFP role here is clear. We will not be referees in politics. Our mandate is security. We respect the people's right to assemble. And at the same time, we ensure that peace and order are preserved,” Padilla said.
Various groups are set to hold protests for the third iteration of the Trillion Peso March to protest against massive corruption in government, particularly the flood control controversy.
Forty years ago in 1986, millions of Filipinos gathered in what would be known as the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — father of the current president Marcos Jr. — and installed Corazon Aquino, widow of slain senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., as president.