No coup, no chaos: The AFP remains united, loyal to chain of command

General Romeo Brawner Jr. PA, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines

In today’s world, the nature of conflict has changed. Power is no longer projected solely through force, but through influence. The most serious threats to national stability now extend beyond physical borders or conventional battlefields.

As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aptly said during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy Siklab-Lahi Class of 2025, “We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises.”

Destabilization no longer requires armies— it only requires access. It manifests through disinformation, digital disruption, and the subtle corrosion of public confidence from within.

That is why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stays agile and adaptive, not only in defending our territory, but in safeguarding truth, order, and the very integrity of our democracy in this complex and evolving digital age.

What is particularly disheartening is that, at times, these efforts to sow discord come not from foreign adversaries, but from fellow Filipinos, fueled by personal agendas rather than the collective good.

While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, it is just as important that we approach sensitive topics, especially those involving public institutions and national security, with discernment. We must know when to separate genuine concerns from speculations, and facts from assumptions.

Recently, there has been renewed noise— issues repackaged as new, and narratives crafted to suggest division within the Armed Forces. As AFP Chief of Staff, I take these matters seriously, not because they unsettle us, but because they deserve to be clarified with truth and responsibility.

The allegations being revived against me and the Armed Forces, ranging from favoritism to misconduct and supposed internal discontent, have already been investigated and resolved through proper institutional channels. To present them again, absent of recent and credible evidence, does not serve meaningful public discourse. Rather, it creates unnecessary confusion and casts unwarranted doubt at a time when the AFP is determined on fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

The repeated resurfacing of these claims speaks less about their substance, but more about the intent of those who propagate them.

Let me reassure our countrymen that the AFP remains strong, professional, and firmly loyal to the chain of command. We are a disciplined institution, grounded in respect for the constitution, civilian authority, and the rule of law. While no system is perfect, we are committed to continuous reform, greater accountability, and ensuring our conduct reflects the values we are sworn to uphold.

Above all, I have full confidence in the integrity, patriotism, and professionalism of the men and women of the military. Isolated grievances do not define the AFP—our collective commitment to service does.

Indeed, political instability does not happen overnight. It takes root when individuals, wittingly or not, undermine institutions through misinformation, manipulation, and efforts to erode public trust.

To those who persist in creating instability, I offer this not as a rebuke, but as a reminder. Do not sow doubt among the very ranks that safeguard our democracy. Do not attempt to influence or mislead soldiers who serve quietly, honorably, and with steadfast loyalty to our constitution and our country.

Frustration is not a license to target your protectors. Attacking the Armed Forces with baseless narratives only threatens to weaken an institution that exists to defend us all. So let us not be adversaries in the same nation we all claim to love. Let us be better stewards of our words, platforms, and influence, because patriotism is not measured by how loudly we speak, but by how wisely we choose unity over division, and nation-building over disruption.

As long as I serve as Chief of Staff, no coup shall happen. Not on my watch.

We will not be shaken by rumor, nor outmaneuvered by noise. We remain focused on our mission to protect the people, preserve the peace, and defend the nation.

We are not called to rebellion; we are called to duty. We will not be swayed by those who seek to divide us for their own interests.

The strength of the Armed Forces has always been in its unity, and in that unity, we will continue to stand, side by side, in faithful service to the Filipino people. That is The General Idea.