AFP denies involvement in PADEM’s alleged call to oust Duterte

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla downright negated its involvement with the Patriotic and Democratic Movement (PADEM), saying the latter are just pretending to represent soldiers and policemen.

This is after PADEM allegedly called for the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte “for betrayal of public trust and in violation of national sovereignty and democratic rights of the people.”

In fact, Padilla expressed full support to Duterte, saying that “the entire AFP along with all the men and women of the uniformed services and all civilian personnel stand by the constitutionally mandated government and unequivocally supports the Commander-in-Chief.”

He clarified that claims of PADEM was not something that AFP will take part of. He also urged the public and various political groups to “respect the apolitical stance of the AFP and help bring unity and healing instead of fomenting divisiveness and collapse.”

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08 / 23/ 17)