The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has firmly rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the military to intervene and “correct” the government, asserting its commitment to upholding the Constitution and maintaining political neutrality amid escalating tensions between the nation’s top leaders.

In a decisive statement, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. dismissed any notion of military involvement in political disputes, emphasizing that the AFP remains loyal to the constitutional mandate of civilian supremacy over the military. His remarks came after Duterte’s controversial appeal for the military to address what he described as “fractured governance” under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Brawner’s message was clear: the AFP will not be swayed by political rhetoric and will continue to serve as a pillar of stability. He reiterated that the military’s role is to safeguard national security, not to meddle in political affairs. Any member of the armed forces wishing to express political opinions has been advised to resign, underscoring the AFP’s unwavering stance against politicization within its ranks.

The tensions surfaced following Duterte’s public critique of the current administration, where he accused it of mismanagement and hinted at the military’s responsibility to intervene. His remarks have been met with sharp rebukes from key government figures, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who urged Duterte to stop undermining the military and respect the democratic process.

The situation took a dramatic turn when security personnel assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, were temporarily replaced by new AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) staff. The sudden reshuffle, reportedly aimed at preventing undue political influence, has fueled speculation about deepening rifts between the Marcos and Duterte camps.

Meanwhile, the AFP has taken proactive steps to shield itself from external interference. It recently disabled certain features on its official website to protect against cyberattacks and prevent the spread of misinformation. This move is seen as part of broader efforts to maintain institutional integrity in the face of mounting political pressure.

Despite the turmoil, AFP officials have dismissed rumors of discontent within the ranks. Senior officers have assured the public that the military remains united and committed to its mission of defending the nation without taking sides in the political fray. This reassurance aims to quell fears of instability as political tensions continue to rise.

The political struggle has also extended to Congress, with lawmakers calling for cooperation between the AFP and the Vice President’s office to ensure transparency and avoid the perception of militarization in civilian governance. The Palace, meanwhile, has issued a strong reminder to respect the Constitution, signaling its determination to uphold democratic principles.

As the nation watches closely, the AFP’s refusal to heed Duterte’s call for intervention serves as a critical reminder of its allegiance to the rule of law. The military’s steadfastness in navigating these turbulent political waters could prove pivotal in preserving the country’s democratic institutions.