The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has publicly condemned Paolo Duterte, calling his comments about their missile capabilities a “misleading interpretation” of statements made by the AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr..
Duterte alleged that the AFP was “gambling” with the lives of Filipinos and implied that the recent deployment of the U.S. Typhon missile system was tied to foreign interests. The AFP countered this, saying the system’s presence is strictly for training and capability-building under the Philippine military’s modernization program.
In its statement, the AFP emphasized that any suggestion of the institution serving foreign powers undermines the integrity, professionalism, and patriotism of its members.The military reaffirmed its unwavering duty to protect the Filipino people and the nation’s sovereignty.
They also urged public officials and opinion leaders to exercise prudence and responsibility in their statements to avoid spreading misinformation and eroding trust in the armed forces.