Marcos vows support for military, police
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pledged his support for the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid persistent rumors of a destabilization plot against his administration.
The President renewed this commitment when he met with AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr., PNP chief Benjamin Acorda, and other high-ranking police and military officials during the New Year’s call in Malacañang on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on his social media, the President reiterated his strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the uniformed personnel and their family through the increased 2024 budget for the Department of National Defense (DND).
The President said this commitment is evident in the government’s support for the Revised AFP Modernization Program and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, “ensuring financial stability for military and civilian personnel.”
“Beyond duty, we prioritize their daily lives. I have approved a specific budget for rice subsidies and Tertiary Health Care at the AFP Medical Center for advanced medical services and overall wellness support,” he added.
Aside from Brawner and Acorda, security officials led by Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix from the Office of the President also paid a courtesy visit to the President.
Other officials present during the courtesy call on Marcos include PNP Acting Deputy Chief for Administration Rhodel Sermonia, PNP Acting Deputy Chief for Operations Michael John Dubria, PNP Chief of Directorial Staff Emmanuel Peralta, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice AdmiralToribio Adaci Jr., Philippine Army Commanding General Roy Galido, and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Stephen Parreño.
The AFP and PNP had repeatedly dismissed rumors that its members were plotting to destabilize the Marcos administration. “There is no discussion for destabilization plot in the a AFP,” AFP spokesman Medel Aguilar said in an earlier radio interview.
“We can assure the public that we are solid and united. And we’ll focus on our mission. Don’t drag us into such issues because it will not be good for our country,” he added.
The PNP also dismissed reports of a destabilization plot against the Marcos administration, saying they were coordinating with the AFP to address these concerns.
“We have not monitored any destabilization plots like what we have been hearing lately,” PNP spokesman Jean Fajardo said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing last Friday.
“We are closely coordinating with our counterparts, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and we are ready to address these issues in case we reach that point,” she added.