Marcos meets with generals thrice in 3 weeks amid destab rumors

From CNN Philippines (Jan 17, 2024): Marcos meets with generals thrice in 3 weeks amid destab rumors (By Gerg Cahiles)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — For the third time in three weeks, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and high-ranking Palace officials met with star-rank officers from the military and police.

Destabilization rumors have been floating since late last year and Malacañang is still mum on the issue despite persistent inquiries from the media.

During the traditional New Year's call at the palace on Wednesday, the president, together with top military and police officers led by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda, was all smiles for photo opportunities.

Two days ago, the president himself presided over the military's command conference at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In an Instagram post, the president said the administration is prioritizing the daily lives of uniformed personnel.

He said he has approved the budget for rice subsidies, and upgraded the AFP Medical Center for advanced medical services and overall wellness support for the soldiers.

"With an increased 2024 budget for the DND (Department of National Defense), we're dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our uniformed personnel and their families," he said. "This commitment is evident in our support for the Revised AFP Modernization Program and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, ensuring financial stability for military and civilian personnel."

Brawner earlier said that Marcos did not talk about the destabilization rumors during the three-hour closed-door meeting.

On several occasions, he mentioned that the AFP is loyal to the Constitution.

"Totoo yun na walang nabanggit [It’s true that there was no mention] about the destabilization that's happening... I gauge that there is no need for a loyalty check," Brawner told the media on Monday.

Meanwhile, two star-ranked officials confirmed to CNN Philippines that a meeting called by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo took place in the afternoon of Dec. 28, 2023.

Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity were present during the meeting.

One official said the executive secretary met with star-rank PNP officials first before talking with the combined military and coast guard officials.

"Nagpa-thank you lang kasi maganda ang security climate," said one official.

"Parang ano lang, assurance na we're behind the president. At walang problema sa amin," said another.

[Translation: They said thank you because of the peaceful security climate. They assured that they were behind the president and that there was no problem with us.]

Sources also said that there is no brewing destabilization coming from their respective units and they have not heard any plans coming from junior officers.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2024/1/17/Marcos-meets-with-generals-thrice-in-3-weeks-amid-destab-rumors.html