The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that its decision to elevate the military’s status to red alert was not connected to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cancellation of his scheduled trip to New York, United States.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla explained that the red alert status was a routine security measure in anticipation of next week’s large-scale anti-corruption demonstrations.
“As for the President’s flight, that is beyond the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In terms of the red alert status, I would like to emphasize that it is a standard protocol of the AFP. Whenever there are major events or anything of that nature, we really implement a red alert status so that, internally, the Armed Forces of the Philippines can be prepared,” she told reporters on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
It was Padilla who announced in a radio interview last Sunday, Sept. 14, that the AFP has been placed under a red alert status effective Sept. 12 to ensure readiness for the September 21 protests at the Luneta and People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Mass demonstrations are also expected in other parts of the country to call for accountability over the reported anomalies in the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Coincidentally, the Palace announced on the same day that Marcos will not attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) High Level Week at the UN headquarters in New York City on Sept. 22, saying he “has decided to focus on domestic issues.”
Some individuals and groups, including critics of Marcos, immediately jumped to conclusion that Marcos’ cancelled trip was connected to the raising of the AFP’s red alert status.
NO THREAT
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire said on Tuesday that there is no direct threat to the President’s life.
“Actually, naitanong po natin iyan at maliban po ‘no, maliban po sa naging pagbabanta dati ng Bise Presidente sa buhay ng Pangulo, base po sa National Security Council ADG Cornelio Valencia, wala po na direct threat sa buhay ng Pangulo ,” Castro said.
“Pero hindi po sila magiging kampante sa pagsiguro at bigyan ng seguridad ang buhay ng Pangulo,” Castro added.
The Palace official reiterated that Marcos’ opted to not attend the UNGA slated this month to focus on issues in the country. (Martin Sadongdong, Betheena Unite)
