Imee Marcos appeals for resolution of alleged issues in AFP amid leadership change

Senator Imee Marcos on Monday called for the resolution of alleged issues within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid the changes in its leadership, Ivan Mayrina, Maki Pulido, and Emil Sumangil reported on “24 Oras.”

Marcos made the remarks after Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. was named Secretary of the Department of Defense (DND) and following allegations of a destabilization plot in the Armed Forces.

“Well, inaasahan ko na puro fake news 'yan. Pero ang totoo, when there's smoke, there's fire. Kaya't kinakailangan yata na magusap-usap lahat,” Marcos said.

“Sana mapag-usapan nang maigi ng lahat ng sektor, ng lahat ng pangkat para walang alinlangan at walang pilitang pagre-resign o pagtatanggal. Sana mapag-usapan nang maayos pagkat talagang ganyan. 'Pag may bagong batas, may madadali talaga at may aaray,” she added.

Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office said Galvez would now head the Department of Defense (DND) after the resignation of DND officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr.

The Palace said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had accepted Faustino's resignation but did not provide the reason for it.

Galvez previously served as the DND chief-of-staff (COS) under the Duterte administration. He also led the government in the Marawi Siege and its fight against the coronavirus pandemic as the vaccine czar and chief of the National Task Force against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) denied there was a destabilization plot in the military as it shifted to a new leadership.

General Andres Centino was named the new COS of the Armed Forces over the weekend, marking his second term in the post.

Centino replaced outgoing AFP chief Lieutenant General Bartolome Bacarro who only served for five months, instead of the three-year term as stated in Republic Act No. 11709.

AFP Spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar explained no military parade was held on Saturday due to the quick turnover of command among the officials.

“Naging madalian... usually kung mayroon tayong parada, we need preparations for that. Siguro ang importate doon ‘yung smooth transition from the outgoing to the incoming,” Aguilar said.

He likewise denied the destabilization allegations.

“Ayoko nang sayangin ang oras natin para pag-usapan ang isang bagay na walang katotohanan,” he added.

The PNP, for their part, ordered an investigation into the alleged destabilization plot.

“As far as the destabilization is concerned, I don't think there's one because I also talked to the newly installed chief-of-staff, Sir Andres Centino, last night. Ang sabi niya is he gave the assurance that the PNP and the AFP will work hand-in-hand in ensuring the Marcos administration will be very stable,” said PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News