AFP maintains stable, neutral amid Marcos-Duterte political rift

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asserted Tuesday, Sept. 30, that it remains intact, professional, and loyal to the Constitution despite conflicting statements from top government officials on the state of the national government.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

"For us, we do not speak for the entire government. But as for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, your Armed Forces remains solid. We are a solid and disciplined organization, and we remain professional through all of this. Our loyalty remains to the Constitution and to the flag," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.

In an attempt to make sense of the AFP's situation amid the political noise, she likened the military's stance to a guard on a watchtower.

"This is just like being a guard on a watchtower while those below are preoccupied with rumors and conflict. We stand firm, looking ahead. We are preparing for territorial defense, we are alert and ready even for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. We are not affected by any noise," she noted.

The AFP made the remark after Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that the government is now unstable amid "abuses" in government institutions.