National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Saturday said the military and entire security sector were loyal to the commander-in-chief as he rejected talk of a plot to destabilize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration.
In a statement, Año said “Yes, there were healthy and passionate exchanges (and) debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space.”
Although oftenly abused, they are part of the freedom of expression where most are academic discussions or politically motivated. But there is no destabilization plot/movement against the government. The AFP and the entire security sector are loyal to the commander in chief and will not be influenced to join any destabilization plot against the government. The security sector shall remain vigilant and ready to take immediate action against any sinister group that will undermine our national security.
“There is no destabilization plot (and) movement against the government,” read the statement.
Año’s remarks came after Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner was quoted in the media as telling troops on Friday that he had heard of “destabilisation efforts,” with some military officers saying “the president should be replaced for many reasons” and “there should be another coup d’etat.”
Año said Brawner was “misquoted or misinterpreted” by the media.
“The security sector shall remain vigilant and ready to take immediate action against any sinister group that will undermine our national security,” Año said.
