AFP on red alert amid protests vs corruption

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has placed all its units under red alert amid protests against massive corruption in flood control projects.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said yesterday all units of the AFP have been placed on red alert since Sept. 12 as a precautionary measure, standard security protocol and to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring peace and order.

"This is standard security protocol. We would like to emphasize that the public has nothing to be alarmed about," Padilla said in an interview over radio dzBB.

She added that more personnel are on standby in camps and leave privileges are suspended as required under a red alert.

The AFP also warned against attempts to infiltrate the protests.

While it respects the right of every Filipino to peaceful assembly, Padilla said the armed forces will not allow any individual or group to exploit the situation to sow violence, division or instability.

Similarly, the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND) rejected calls for the military to withdraw support from the government.

"The solution must be found in our democratic institutions and rule of law, not through extra-constitutional means," Padilla said.

Alert status for Sept. 21 pending

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will determine in the coming days whether to raise its alert status for rallies expected on Sept. 21.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin told The STAR that they already have a security template in place for annual demonstrations marking the anniversary of martial law.