AFP: Brawner only stated 'technical fact' about Typhon missiles

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday called out Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte’s claims regarding the US’ Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines.

In a statement, the AFP clarified that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. only stated a “technical fact” pertaining to the missile’s range and that he only explained that the missile was deployed for training and capability purposes as part of AFP’s modernization efforts.

“Any insinuation that the AFP or its leadership serves foreign interests is false and undermines the integrity, professionalism, and patriotism of the institution and its members who continue to defend our sovereignty,” the AFP said.

“The AFP emphasizes that all defense initiatives and partnerships are conducted in line with the Philippines’ independent foreign policy and sovereign prerogative,” it added.

The AFP issued the statement after Duterte took to social media to criticize Brawner, saying the AFP chief allegedly boasted about the capability of the Typhon missile to reach China.

In his post on Saturday, Duterte asked if the AFP was ready to block any retaliation from China and questioned whether Brawner was “serving the Philippines or the CIA.”

“If you’re truly for the Filipino, you wouldn’t play hero in a press conference and make ordinary Filipinos the collateral damage… Get your priorities straight, General. The Filipino people do not need someone who is trigger-happy for another country, they need a leader who will fight for them and protect,” he said.

In June this year, the Philippine Navy confirmed that US army missile systems deployed in the country will stay longer here for more training exercises.

Earlier, a US defense official said they were ready to defend the Philippines from Chinese military.

The US defense official noted that the deployment of their missile systems in the Philippines was calculated to increase the perceived lethal risk for China and deter it from launching an attack on Taiwan or the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, the AFP also advised public officials to be prudent and responsible in their statements and refrain from engaging in misinformation that may sow distrust in the military.

“The AFP remains steadfast in its duty to protect the Filipino people and defend the nation’s sovereignty—serving no one but the Filipino, and protecting nothing but the Philippines,” the military added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News