Brawner to Troops: Uphold Professionalism Amid Politically Charged Climate

Romeo Brawner Jr., chief general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), instructed military members on Monday to uphold professionalism in the face of political unrest and to carefully follow the chain of command.

"Allow me to take this opportunity to remind our soldiers in the AFP to continue to be professional and competent,”  Brawner made this statement at the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women's Launch.

He added "In the past days, we have seen a myriad of events that transpired in our country and this has shaken the political environment of our country. As soldiers, we should not be shaken by this,” 

The comments came amid rising tensions between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte has stated that she would order Marcos' killing if her own life was under threat. The statement has fueled tensions between the two leaders

Brawner stressed the military's dedication to upholding the Philippine Constitution, emphasizing a commitment to institutions rather than people.

“Sinabi natin we are loyal to our country, we are loyal to our flag, we are loyal to our organization and we are loyal to the Constitution. This also goes to say that we are loyal to the duly constituted authorities whoever that may be. Hindi po tayo loyal sa tao kundi sa posisyon,” he said.

“We vowed to be loyal to our country, our flag, our organization, and the Constitution. This includes loyalty to duly constituted authorities, whoever they may be. Our loyalty is to the position, not to the person,” he said in Filipino.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla stated that the military's assessment of Duterte's statements as a potential national security risk was regular procedure.

"Nananatili po kaming tapat sa aming mandato bilang taga-pagtanggol ng Constitution. Nagsisilbi rin po kami sa bayan sa ilalim ng Pangulo natin bilang Commander-in-Chief," she said.

(We remain steadfast in our mandate to defend the Constitution and serve the nation under our President, who is our Commander-in-Chief) Padilla said in Filipino.

“Nagbigay na po ng statement din ang ating Presidential Security Command that they are heightening their alerts. Standard procedure naman po ito just in case,” she added.

She also verified that the Presidential Security Command had increased its alert level. (Our Presidential Security Command has already stated that they are on heightened alert. This is standard procedure, just in case,) she noted.

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Video: PTV Philippines

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Sources/Credits: Brawner to troops: Follow chain of command amid 'shaken' political environment