ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) remains loyal, with no known destabilization plot or movement against the government, said Major General Marion Sison, division commander.
The 3ID made its position clear following Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner’s mention of rumored plans for destabilization against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a statement, Sison emphasized that soldiers have learned harsh lessons from similar past attempts, which not only undermined the Army as an organization but also devastated the lives of many soldiers and jeopardized the well-being of their families.
Most crucially, he said, those actions inflicted significant harm on the nation’s economy and stability.
“With utmost certainty, I can assure you that no one within the 3ID will participate in any such actions. We have witnessed the horrors that they bring, and we refuse to return to those trying times,” Sison declared.
He added: “Your Army in Western and Central Visayas will remain steadfast in our dedication to serving our constituents and safeguarding the security and peace of the region. We will always act in accordance with the Army’s core values — honor, duty, and patriotism. Our loyalty lies with our Constitution, the duly constituted authority, and the people we are sworn to protect.”
Brawner recently acknowledged hearing rumors about alleged destabilization efforts but clarified that these were merely rumors.
He recognized that some retired military officers might harbor grievances over various issues, including revisions to the pension system for military and other uniformed personnel. However, he said he was misquoted, asserting that he did not confirm an actual plot.
“When we speak of a ‘plot’, it implies a plan ready to be executed. What I said in my statement was that we have heard whispers and rumors of destabilization efforts,” Brawner clarified./PN
