THERE is no need for a loyalty check for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Malacañang said on Thursday, as it refuted claims that growing discontent in the military could trigger a destabilization plot.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after Sen. Panfilo Lacson said frustration among members of the armed services is growing and may be taken advantage of by “unscrupulous, power-hungry groups and destabilizers.” Castro acknowledged there were rumors circulating, but said the AFP is monitoring the situation.
She said the AFP has assured the government that its members remained “active, united and professional.” Lacson earlier said he was not dismissing the possibility that the presence of the 18 bagmen in the Senate on Monday, despite not attending the consultation meeting conducted by the Blue Ribbon Committee, “could be used as part of a broader effort to sow chaos and trigger destabilization” On Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian ordered a work-from-home arrangement for Senate employees on June 10 to 11 after the National Bureau of Investigation relayed information about a possible threat.
Lacson said the threat was rooted in issues of corruption, particularly the flood control mess and Senate leadership dispute.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Army said it remained focused on its mission and continues to prioritize the welfare of its personnel.
“We are a nonpartisan organization and will not intervene in any political activity. Our commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law is unwavering,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said.
Nafarrete also said that mechanisms were in place to address the concerns of soldiers.
