By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following the daring call by former Speaker and now Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez to the military to withdraw support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday (15 April 2024) stood firm that they will stand by the 1987 Constitution and follow the chain of command.

Their reaffirmation of loyalty has clearly repudiated Alvarez who has raised the issue of getting into war with China over the West Philippine Sea and he said the military as “protector of the Filipino people” could avoid it by withdrawing support from Marcos Jr.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla undescored that the military “reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, loyalty to the Constitution, and strict adherence to the Chain of Command.”

“Our soldiers, pilots, sailors, and marines remain dedicated to our mandate of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines, regardless of any political affiliations or individuals in authority,” Padilla stressed.

On the other hand, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said during a press conference that at present, there is no basis to withdraw support from duly constituted authorities.

“On the part of the PNP, we have the Constitution at ang aming loyatly ay nasa kababayan po. Let us spare our uniformed personnel sa mga ganitong usaping politikal,” Fajardo declared.

On Sunday (14 April 2024), speaking before a rally in Tagum City with former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Alvarez appealed to the military to withdraw support from Marcos Jr.

“Nakikiusap ako sa inyo. We don’t have to hurt each other. We don’t have to fire a single shot. Simple lang, sa mapayapang paraan. Please withdraw your support to the Chief Executive,” Alvarez said.

He then raised the prospect of having war with China.

“Kapag sumabog ang gulo sa WPS (West Philippine Sea), there will be countless of dead bodies. There would be unimaginable destruction, famine, hunger, mangyayari po ‘yan,” Alvarez said.

(el Amigo/MNM)