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GMA Network
28-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
AFP chief Brawner: No coup shall happen, not on my watch
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday said there will be no coup d'état under his leadership amid speculations of internal unrest within the military. In a statement, Brawner reaffirmed the 'unwavering commitment' of the organization to the Constitution and the chain of command. 'As long as I serve as Chief of Staff, no coup shall happen. Not on my watch. We will not be shaken by rumor, nor outmaneuvered by noise,' he said. 'Let me reassure our countrymen that the AFP remains strong, professional, and firmly loyal to the chain of command. We are a disciplined institution, grounded in respect for the Constitution, civilian authority, and the rule of law,' he added. Brawner called out those who continue to stir discord and disinformation. He warned them of 'broader consequences' of undermining the AFP. 'To those who persist in creating instability, I offer this not as a rebuke, but as a reminder. Do not sow doubt among the very ranks that safeguard our democracy. Do not attempt to influence or mislead soldiers who serve quietly, honorably, and with steadfast loyalty to our Constitution and our country,' he said. 'Frustration is not a license to target your protectors. Attacking the Armed Forces with baseless narratives only threatens to weaken an institution that exists to defend us all,' he added. Brawner encouraged the public to be discerning and differentiate real concerns from baseless speculations, especially about public institutions and national security. 'Let us not be adversaries in the same nation we all claim to love. Let us be better stewards of our words, platforms, and influence, because patriotism is not measured by how loudly we speak, but by how wisely we choose unity over division, and nation-building over disruption,' he said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US and Ally's Joint Forces Send Warning to China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Coast Guard joined Philippine maritime forces in a series of joint exercises on Monday. The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA)—the first to feature coast guard vessels from both countries—came as the allies continued to bolster security ties amid territorial tensions between the Southeast Asian nation and China. Why It Matters China asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal dismissing its sweeping claims. These claims overlap with those of several neighboring countries. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed not to yield "even one square inch of our sovereign territory." Nevertheless, China has expanded its maritime presence into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, sometimes leading to clashes and collisions at the Spratly Islands and other contested features. U.S. Coast Guard cutter the Stratton joints Philippine naval and coast guard forces in the sixth U.S.-Philippine Maritime Cooperative Activity on May 20, 2025. U.S. Coast Guard cutter the Stratton joints Philippine naval and coast guard forces in the sixth U.S.-Philippine Maritime Cooperative Activity on May 20, 2025. Armed Forces of the Philippines What To Know The MCA, the sixth joint maritime activity between the United States and the Philippines and the second this year, took place off the country's western provinces of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine military said in a statement. The U.S. was represented by the Legend-class cutter USCG Stratton and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane. Participating Philippine vessels included the patrol ships BRP Alcaraz and BRP Malapascua, patrol gunboat BRP Domingo Deluana, and coast guard cutter Melchora Aquino. Philippine aircraft included at least one Brazil-made Super Tucano turboprop attack plane and a Sokol helicopter. 1 of 2 "As the Philippines continues to navigate evolving maritime challenges, joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines'] commitment to modernizing its capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests," General Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Philippine military, was quoted as saying. China has frequently criticized the Philippines' joint military exercises with the U.S. and other countries in the region, accusing Manila of inviting outside forces into what it believes to be a bilateral dispute. What People Are Saying Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, said: "Maritime Cooperative Activities help us continue to build strong military-to-military ties with our Philippine navy allies. With each iteration, these operations further advance our collective efforts to preserve regional stability in this critical part of the world." Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiagang, at a press briefing on May 8: "Certain individuals in the Philippines are colluding with external forces such as the U.S. to stir up the sea for selfish gains, undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea sternly warn the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations and stop offending China's core interest in any form." What Happens Next Neither Manila nor Beijing is likely to back down. The Philippines is expected to continue strengthening its security partnerships.
Filipino Times
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
AFP conducts background checks on 2025 election candidates to prevent foreign influence
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it is conducting background checks on candidates for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections as part of efforts to safeguard against foreign interference. AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the military is examining candidates' backgrounds through intelligence operations to detect any potential 'red flags.' If any issues arise, the AFP will report them to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Brawner emphasized that this initiative is a response to past concerns over candidates potentially slipping through security checks, referencing previous elections. He confirmed that the AFP is working closely with both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Comelec to prevent such occurrences in the future, intensifying intelligence efforts to protect the integrity of the elections. The AFP clarified that its intelligence operations are aimed at identifying security threats and preventing foreign influence on the political process, and any findings will be shared confidentially with Comelec for further action. The military reiterated its non-partisan stance and commitment to upholding the democratic process without bias. This move follows the earlier disclosure by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency about former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who was revealed as an 'agent of influence' suspected of using her political position to sway decisions for foreign interests. Guo, who won in the May 2022 elections, was dismissed after her involvement came to light.
