DND: No destab plot amid VP Sara Duterte impeachment moves

No destabilization efforts are being monitored within the active ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said Monday.

“Sa ngayon, involving active duty members, wala kaming namo-monitor at ’yun lang ang tinututukan namin,” Teodoro told reporters.

(“As of now, involving active-duty members, we are not monitoring anything, and that is our sole focus.”)

Teodoro said some retired military personnel have expressed opinions, but stressed they are already outside the jurisdiction of the Department of National Defense (DND).

“Wala na kaming jurisdiction sa kanila at wala naman silang impluwensya sa kasundaluhan. Libre sila bilang normal citizens na magpahayag,” he said.

(“We no longer have jurisdiction over them, and they have no influence over the military. They are free, as ordinary citizens, to express themselves.”)

In April, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said there were alleged efforts to seek support from members of the uniformed services for a possible military-backed “revolution.”

Malacañang earlier said it is up to law enforcement agencies to investigate Lacson’s claim.

Last year, the military’s intelligence community also looked into reports of an alleged destabilization plot against the Marcos administration.—MCG, GMA News