No threat to destabilize Duterte government – AFP

MANILA, Philippines – The military has not monitored any destabilization moves, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said they have not monitored any threat to destabilize the administration.

Arevalo made the comment when reporters asked him about purported destabilization plots against President Duterte.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Malacañang is taking such reports “seriously.”

“We take any destabilization moves seriously, whether it’s a rumor or A1 information; it is against the law. It’s inciting to rebellion and this has happened in the past,” Andanar said.

Arevalo, however, gave assurance that the military has not monitored any group or personalities behind the reported destabilization plot.

“Nothing. This is why I am asking by whose group or who... we have no information about those things,” Arevalo told reporters.

He said the AFP does not see any “group or interest groups that could launch destabilization plots. We have not monitored such groups, including those of military retirees.”

Even among those in active service, Arevalo said there was no indication of any effort to oust the President.

“The Armed Forces of today has grown to become more professional. We have learned from our past experiences and we do not want another adventurism or destabilization efforts at the expense of our economy and our nation as a whole,” he said.