AFP chief: Electing ‘right people,’ not coups, can fix PH problems

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. — PHOTO FROM PAOAFP

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday said launching a military coup or putting in place a military junta will not solve the country’s present problems.

He instead urged Filipinos to vote for the right candidates in the midterm elections.

“I have only one appeal to our countrymen: let us use this election to bring out our sentiments by voting the right people in the right positions,” Brawner said at a joint press conference with the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Quezon City.

Brawner made the call as he cited the growing “complaints” from the public about the government and the issues hounding the Philippines.

“Because many are complaining now about our country’s problems, others think that the solution is to have a military coup d’etat or military junta. This is not the solution. Let us handle our election better,” he said.

‘What we want to correct’

The AFP chief said the military is tasked “to assist in making sure the elections will be peaceful,” including addressing the proliferation of armed groups and possible peace spoilers.

In a statement, the AFP said the three government agencies have already “outlined the government’s comprehensive security measures to safeguard the electoral process and ensure the integrity of the elections.

“Our call to the people is to use this election as a platform to express our desires by voting for the right individuals who will serve the country and our society,” Brawner said.

“Let us use our voice to correct what we want to correct,” he added.

In a statement, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said the “intensification of intelligence gathering is geared towards helping the Comelec ensure the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard national security.”

Staying nonpartisan

“This initiative is conducted in coordination with the Comelec and PNP and focuses on identifying potential security threats arising from foreign interference and malign influence,” Trinidad said.

Any findings, according to him, “will be confidentially relayed to the Comelec for appropriate action.”

Trinidad said that the AFP’s role is strictly nonpartisan.

“Our efforts are anchored on impartiality and respect for the democratic process. We hope this clarification provides the proper context to prevent misinterpretation of our actions or statements,” he added.