The military said Tuesday, June 30, that it maintains its standing as a “professional and non-partisan institution,” brushing aside appeals from certain groups that it step into government disputes tied to corruption allegations.
Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, who heads the Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office, confirmed that units stationed across Metro Manila had been working alongside the police and other agencies throughout the day to track a sudden demonstration by Iglesia Ni Cristo members along EDSA in Quezon City.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its NCR-based units, remains in close coordination with the Philippine National Police and other concerned government agencies in monitoring the situation related to the reported lightning rally along EDSA,” the AFP said.
Roughly 8,000 INC followers turned up for the unannounced gathering, prompting the deployment of about 900 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office near the People Power Monument. The crowd had no permit, but police chose maximum tolerance rather than dispersal to keep the situation from escalating.
Organizers coordinated with authorities to leave parts of the road open, though the protest still snarled traffic on EDSA’s northbound stretch and around White Plains. The AFP appealed to those behind such events to weigh the effect on the public.
“We likewise encourage organizers to ensure that their activities do not unduly disrupt public order or cause unnecessary inconvenience to commuters, workers, students, and other members of the public,” it said.
The protesters had rallied behind Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who faces a non-bailable plunder complaint that the Office of the Ombudsman intends to file before the Sandiganbayan. According to the Ombudsman, Marcoleta failed to declare P75 million in campaign contributions that were said to have been received illegally.
On the question of military involvement in civilian governance, the AFP was firm that soldiers would not be drawn into national political matters despite the demands of some sectors.
“The AFP recognizes and respects the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble and express their views,” the military said, adding that public activities must still follow existing laws, local rules, and permit requirements, with law enforcement leading on keeping order.
