AFP to remain loyal to flag, Charter — spokesman

MANILA, Philippines — The military gave assurance yesterday that it will remain loyal to the flag and the Constitution as well as to its mandate to protect the Filipino people amid talks of a coup.

“The AFP is the protector of the people and the state. That is our constitutional mandate and we will abide by it,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

He said the uniformed services under AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. are committed to becoming a partner-catalyst for national well-being by providing the security needed to spur development and assist in good governance.

Arevalo made the statement after Malacañang spokesman Salvador Panelo mentioned a possible military takeover, saying President Duterte may have obtained information that the military was restive.

Panelo said this could have prompted the President to call on lawmakers to amend the present Constitution before his term ends.

“Time and again we assure our countrymen that the AFP shall remain loyal to the flag, to the Constitution and to the Filipino people,” Arevalo said.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police also declared they will not stage a coup against the President. 

This assurance came up after Duterte asked the military and the police not to stage a coup against him and his government.

The President said that it would be best for the military and the police to just tell him that they no longer want him.