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MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines denied any link to a group identifying itself as comprising soldiers and police officers seeking to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.
It also maintained that it stands against forces out to “destabilize our nation through unconstitutional means.”
The “Patriotic and Democratic Movement,” or PADEM, claimed that Duterte committed “gross crimes in betrayal of public trusts and in violation of national sovereignty and democratic rights of the Filipino people.”
“The AFP categorically denies the recent statement issued by a group that pretends to be a representative of the men and women of the AFP and the PNP (Philippine National Police), and calls themselves the PADEM,” Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told reporters on Tuesday.
The Armed Forces supports the “constitutionally mandated government” and “unequivocally supports” Duterte, their commander-in-chief, Padilla said.
“The accusations and issues cited by the group are unfounded and uncalled for,” he said. “Such issues are clearly politically motivated and a matter that the AFP does not and will not subscribe to.”
The Department of Justice was currently addressing the issues the group raised, and parties to possible crimes were now under detention, said Padilla.
“Let us respect these processes and not allow ourselves to be used by individuals or groups with vested interests,” he said. “We appeal for sobriety, reason and patience as we await the results of these processes.”
Padilla clarified that the Armed Forces stands by law-abiding citizens and “will not hesitate in acting against forces who shall undermine the stability and security of our country and those who wish to destabilize our nation through unconstitutional means.” (PNA)
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