The Armed Forces of the Philippines denied a radio interview by a retired general who alleged that several active generals walked out of a command conference held by the chief of the Department of Defense, Secretary Gibo Teodoro.

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, in an interview with defense reporters described the radio interview as part of “Marites” chat, and affirms the strong professionalism of the armed forces.

Talks of destabilization have been circulating since last year, fueled by anti-Marcos rhetoric heard from and during prayer rallies initiated by groups allied with former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The former president, together with his sons, Paolo and Baste, who now sit as mayor of Davao City, had strongly asked for the president’s resignation. In subsequent video appearances by the former Chief Executive, however, he denies ever wanting to chop his successor’s head.

This latest news, which happened several days before President Marcos’s State of the Nation address, came at a time when rumors about a major event were to happen this Friday, July 19. July 19 is significant because it is the last day Vice President Sara Duterte is Secretary of Education. Several pro-Duterte groups believe that something significant will be announced by then.

Staunch Duterte supporters, including former spokesperson Harry Roque, have called on Sara Duterte to lead a so-called “revitalized” opposition, composed mostly of anti-Marcos groups, possibly including Duterte groups.