HINDI papatulan ng Defense Department at Armed Forces of the Philippine ang panghihikayat ng ilang sektor na ‘withdrawal of support’ sa Marcos administration sa gitna ng lumalakas na sigaw kontra bilyon-bilyong korupsyon sa flood control projects.

Ayon sa Department of National Defense at Armed Forces of the Philippines, mananatiling isang propesyunal na organisasyon ang Hukbong Sandatahan, mananatiling non-partisan at pangangalagaan ang Konstitusyon sa ilalim ng Marcos Jr. administration.

Sa inilabas na joint statement, inihayag nina Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., na useless at iresponsable ang “politically-motivated attempts” na iliko ang pokus ng ng military sa kanilang sinumpaang mandato.

“At this critical juncture for our national security in the face of threats to our peace and regional stability, politically-motivated attempts to distract the Armed Forces of the Philippines from focusing on its mission are not only futile but also irresponsible,” ayon sa inilabas na pahayag ng DND at AFP.

Hindi na tinukoy o kinilala ng DND at maging ng AFP, ang grupo o motibo sa likod ng pagtatangka hinggil sa panawagan na ‘withdrawal of support’ sa AFP.

“The Department of National Defense, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is fully committed to upholding the tenets of the Constitution and our mandate to the Filipino people. As a professional and non-partisan organization, the DND and AFP remain steadfast defenders of our nation and our democratic institutions,” ayon sa inilabas na joint statement.

“We fully support the anti-corruption campaign led by no less than the President as we collectively work towards a responsive, responsible, and just government for all. This is not just a government initiative—it is a national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress. We owe it to our veterans, our heroes, and to future generations to ensure that the Philippines is firmly grounded in integrity.”

(JESSE RUIZ)