PNP says there is no destabilization plot in AFP

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday denied rumors of the alleged destabilization plot in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that circulated on social media over the weekend.

“So as far as the destabilization is concerned, I don’t think there is one,” Azurin said in a media briefing.

He issued the remark amid rumors of a supposed destabilization plot that circulated through social media posts or text messages over the weekend.

According to Azurin, the PNP has directed its regional office in Cordillera to look into the supposed memorandum placing all PNP units under heightened alert status, adding that it will also look into the supposed signatory on the document.

“Definitely, the PRO of Cordillera will be ensuring that an investigation to, ‘yung si Dexter, Police Lieutenant Colonel Dexter is ongoing. So that we will determine ano ‘yung kumalat na memorandum last weekend,” he said.

“The appropriate charges as well as the consequences of the lapses, kung meron man, will be meted to Police Colonel Dexter,” he later added.

However, Azurin also said that it is normal for PNP and AFP units to be on alert during turnover ceremonies.

Further, he said that the Winner B150 helicopter at Camp Crame which was shown in photos shared on social media was only undergoing a maintenance checkup.

“As to the, ‘yung picture na kumakalat, ‘yung B150 na umiikot dito sa Camp Crame, I already talked to the camp commander kanina, this morning. Sabi niya, 'Sir, regular ‘yun na maintenance checkup,'” Azurin said.

Meanwhile, Azurin said that newly-installed chief-of-staff General Andres Centino also told him that the PNP and the AFP will work together.

“[H]e gave the assurance that the PNP and the AFP will work hand in hand in ensuring that the Marcos administration will be very stable,” he said.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar also denied the destabilization rumors.

“Ang totoo po niyan is wala po tayong problema. Wala tayong dapat ikabahala dahil normal naman ang sitwasyon. ‘Wag po kayong maniwala na may mga destabilization plot dahil ang Armed Forces po ay professional,” he said.

(The truth is that we don't have a problem. We have nothing to worry about because the situation is normal. Don't believe that there are destabilization plots because the Armed Forces are professionals.)

“Kami po ay tumatayo sa likod ng ating Konstitusyon, sa ating watawat, sa leadership ng ating Commander-in-Chief, at sa aming bagong upo na chief-of-staff na si General Andres Centino,” he added.

(We stand behind our Constitution, our flag, the leadership of our Commander-in-Chief, and our new chief of staff, General Andres Centino.)

“The AFP assures everyone that everything is normal. The movements of PNP assets are part of the simulation exercises in preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” Aguilar said in a statement issued Saturday.

“Rest assured that the AFP, in coordination with other government security forces, will always be on guard to protect you from all threat groups,” he added. —KG, GMA Integrated News