Charges against retired generals calling for coup

The Philippine National Police is reviewing possible criminal charges against people urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines to stage a coup, withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., or form a military junta, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Friday, October 24.

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Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. on June 17, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF PFC CARMELOTES / PAOAFP

(PFC CARMELOTES PAOAFP)

The PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is studying potential cases against not only retired generals but all individuals urging military intervention, Brawner said in a radio interview with DZRH.

“Although they’re not using those exact words, they’re calling on the AFP to intervene,” Brawner added.

“I really hope we don’t even think about this because if the Armed Forces gets involved, it won’t be good for our country.”

Retired generals led by former AFP Maj. Gen. Jacinto Poquiz met with Brawner on September 20, a day before two major anti-corruption rallies were held at Luneta and EDSA.

Brawner said one of the retired generals told him that if the AFP refused to act against corruption, “they themselves would take up arms.”