MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been placed on red alert amid ongoing anti-corruption protests across the country.
According to a report by DZBB, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the red alert status was declared to ensure the military’s readiness to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) if needed.
"This is a precautionary measure on our part. These are standard security protocols. We would like to emphasize that there is nothing to worry about," she said in Filipino in a DZBB interview.
The AFP has been on a red alert status since September 12, according to Padilla.
Padilla explained that a red alert status requires a number of AFP personnel to be on standby, suspends their leave privileges, and ensures they are prepared to respond to any unexpected events.
Despite the heightened alert, the PNP reported that protests over the past weeks have remained generally peaceful.
The PNP said it deployed over 2,100 personnel, along with 1,500 members of its Reactionary Standby Support Force, to ensure the public's safety and smooth traffic flow.
Protests have sparked across the country following revelations of anomalies in government flood control projects uncovered during recent congressional investigations.
In response, several groups are expected to hold a massive protest in Manila on September 21.
Transport group Piston also announced a transport strike on September 18 and urged the public to join the protest on September 21.