Philippine military warns against destabilization efforts

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) today issued a stern warning to its soldiers against joining any coup d'etat or acts of rebellion against the government.

AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc warned that the military would not join or support any movement to oust President Benigno S. Aquino III because of their "high degree of dedication and professionalism".

He said any such errant and wayward soldiers would suffer the same fate as those involved in similar past revolts, and would be discharged from service.

"We have a lot of examples of soldiers whose careers were destroyed by people who lured them into joining coup d'etat attempts. Especially, I am referring to the enlisted personnel, some of whom were discharged from the service and some of them were demoted to the lowest ranks, and their families were affected by such incidents," Said Cabunoc.

Cabunoc added that any military personnel involved would face justice.