AFP on alert amid protests vs corruption

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said it is on alert for any sudden incidents which may occur during the series of anti-corruption protests conducted by different groups.

“Kailangan alerto pa rin tayo. Hindi naman puwedeng tanggalin sa equation na maaaring may ibang agenda na puwedeng gamitin itong mga pagkakataong ito para isingit ang kanilang interes,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(We still need to be alert. We cannot remove from the equation that others might have other agendas and use opportunities like this to slip in their own interests.)

Religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and other groups are scheduled to hold rallies on Sunday to call for transparency and better governance amid corruption revealed in flood control projects.

The INC will have three days of rallies starting Nov. 16 until Nov. 18 at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila.

Meanwhile, the United People's Initiative Fighting Corruption, a group of retired generals, will hold a rally at the EDSA People Power Monument on Sunday.

A group of supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte will also hold the Martsa ng Kalayaan on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, another group will hold the Takbo Laban sa Kurakot, a running event inside the campus of University of the Philippines-Diliman from 6 to 10 a.m. on Sunday.

The AFP reiterated that troops would be on standby to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining public safety.

“Augmenting naman kami lagi. We support them in terms of implementing itong peace and order sa mga ganitong pagkakataon,” Padilla said.

(We are always augmenting. We support them in terms of implementing peace and order in these kinds of events.)

Alleged destabilizers

Padilla also said the AFP is still validating reports that former military officials were allegedly getting involved in a supposed destabilization plot against the Marcos administration.

“Ang AFP has evolved to be a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan na institusyon,” Padilla said.

(The AFP has evolved to be a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution.)

“Lagi nating inuuna ay ang ating Konstitusyon at taumbayan at hindi ang any political agenda. Hindi kami nagpapatinag dito sa gulo at ingay ng pulitika,” she added.

(We always put our Constitution and the people first, not any political agenda. We will not be swayed by the chaos and noise of politics.)

As of 8 a.m., about 14,500 protesters have gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, according to the Manila Police District. —KG, GMA Integrated News