‘AFP will continue to defend Philippines freedom’

MANILA, Philippines —  The military will continue its commitment to defend freedom and independence, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. assured the Filipino people in his message for today’s commemoration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

“We join the entire nation in reflecting on the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.’ It reminds us that the freedom we now enjoy was secured through the sacrifices of those who came before us, and that the future of our nation depends on how faithfully we uphold and protect that hard-earned independence,” Brawner noted in a statement.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands at the intersection of our history and our future. We honor the courage of our heroes by remaining faithful to our sworn duty as defenders of our sovereignty, preserving democratic institutions, and safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people,” Brawner said.

He echoed President Marcos’ call to “let the AFP embody the Filipino spirit – one that stands firm against oppression, adapts to the demands of the times, and always places the welfare of the nation above all else.”

“As soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and civilian human resources of the AFP, we carry the responsibility to ensure that the freedom won by previous generations is preserved for those yet to come. Let us become living examples of patriotism, reflected in our discipline and integrity, inspiring every Filipino through our actions that help shape the future of our beloved nation,” he declared.

Palace: No need  for loyalty check

There is no need to conduct loyalty checks in the military, Malacañang said yesterday, as destabilization rumors linked to the political drama in the Senate swirl ahead of the Independence Day celebration.

Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the AFP has not obtained information about the alleged destabilization plot, which has been tied to groups seeking to exploit the Senate leadership row and flood control scam.

“Of course, there are rumors and they (AFP) are monitoring them. But as of now, the members of the AFP remain active, united and professional and according to the AFP, there is no need for a loyalty check because they know that their mandate is for the nation and is in line with the Constitution,” Castro said.

Earlier this month, columnist Ramon Tulfo claimed to have received information about a supposed plan by supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte to “storm” Malacañang on June 12.

Sen. Panfilo Lacon, a former police chief, also claimed that there is a “clear and present danger” to the security in the Senate amid the recent leadership dispute. There is also “sketchy and raw” information about the level of frustration within the military that “has reached up to battalion and regional levels,” he added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian has said that the threat against the Senate may be related to the 18 men who claimed to have acted as bagmen for flood control kickbacks.

“Of course, very alarming, very concerning because we know who is behind the 18 maleta (luggage) boys, none other than Mike Defensor, who said he wants to oust the President. So what else can be their motive?” Castro said.

“If you read the narrative of the 18 maleta boys, it is filled with holes, has no origin, has no basis,” she added.

Malacañang previously labeled as a “lousy script” the statement of the 18 witnesses that they had delivered suitcases containing billions of pesos to the houses of President Marcos and his cousin Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

PNP on full alert

All security measures are in place for the observance of the 128th Independence Day today, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on full alert status as part of precautionary measures against possible threats.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said around 89,473 security forces were deployed nationwide, composed of 77,020 police personnel, 1,975 from other agencies and 10,478 force multipliers, covering key convergence points and critical installations.

In Metro Manila, more than 16,000 police officers and force multipliers will secure Independence Day related activities.

The Senate, which is allegedly faced with a security threat, and the House of Representatives are being secured by the PNP for possible protest actions by different groups.

Bulacan rites

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Commissioner Francis Navarro will lead the 128th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Independence at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

The celebration will start at 7 a.m. with Navarro leading the wreath-laying ceremony in front of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s monument and will be joined by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, City of Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad and Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian.

Job fairs

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment has scheduled six job fairs in Central Luzon.

Two job fairs were held yesterday at the Bulwagan ng Kanlahi, San Vicente, Tarlac City and Zambales Gymnasium, Zone VI, Iba, Zambales.

For today, job fairs will be held at the SM City Bataan in Ibayo, Balanga City, Bataan; Mall Atrium, SM San Jose del Monte, Barangay Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte in Bulacan; CDRRMC Training Center, (in front of City Hall), Phase II, Kapitan Pepe Subdivision in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; and at The Atrium, SM Telabastagan in San Fernando, Pampanga. – Alexis Romero, Emmanuel Tupas, Ramon Efren Lazaro