AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Lt. General Jimmy Larida faces his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments’ committee on national defense. —Photo from the CA’s YouTube channel
MANILA, Philippines — Several high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have reiterated their commitment to abide by the Constitution when they appeared before Congress, even as President Marcos reminded them to stand for the Constitution and the Filipino people.
In a speech at Malacañang on Wednesday, Marcos urged AFP officers to remain “steadfast, resourceful [and] unyielding” in their resolve to face “complex and dynamic challenges” confronting the nation, from protecting national security to preserving global peace and stability.
“Stand with your troops, stand for the Constitution, and above all, stand for the Filipino people,” the President said.
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He made the statement during the oath-taking ceremony for 37 newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers, which was also attended by top defense officials and military officers.
Assurance
During a courtesy call at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 17 AFP generals and senior flag officers, led by deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, assured lawmakers of their commitment to the constitution and duly constituted authorities, saying, “We will watch your back.”
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The House visit followed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal last week for the military to “step in” to “correct” what he described as a “fracture in government” under Marcos.
But he clarified that he was not urging them to mount a coup against his successor. Duterte made the call after the rift between his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and the President further widened after the younger Duterte said she had instructed someone to kill Marcos, his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez should she end up dead amid a threat to her life.
The head of the newly activated AFP Intelligence Command, Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, meanwhile, emphasized the military’s professionalism and support for government institutions.
“The Armed Forces will remain professional, mission-focused, and always supportive of the duly constituted government,” Barandon told the lawmakers.
He expressed the same sentiment before the Commission on Appointments, which was deliberating on his and 14 other AFP generals and officers’ ad interim appointment.
No cause for concern
“As for the AFP, there is nothing to worry about. I would like to emphasize, as mentioned by our Chief of Staff—we’ll be mission-focused and we will abide by duly constituted authority. As for the retired officers, I think I’m not in a position to talk about what they are thinking or what they would want to do,” Barandon said.
His remarks were in response to Batangas Rep. Marvey Mariño’s question on whether there were talks within their ranks or among retired officers that should be a cause for concern following the recent filing of impeachment cases against Duterte.
Barandon maintained that military officers were “professionals and mission-oriented.”
“The AFP will be neutral, mission-focused, and will follow the chain of command,” he said.