MANILA—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is examining the possibility that foreign entities may have funded recent anti-government protest actions in the country.

“We are looking at all possible avenues, all areas to ensure that domestic concerns will remain domestic and will not be influenced by foreign funding,” acting AFP spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing.

Trinidad said the probe aims to ensure the integrity, protection, and safety of Philippine society. “We’re checking all possible leads, especially when it comes to funding — if these were done by domestic or, maybe, even for all we know, foreign groups,” he added.

The statement came after a rally over the weekend by the United People’s Initiative (UPI), led by military retirees, at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City. The protesters called for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s resignation and urged the AFP to withdraw its support for the government.

Trinidad reiterated that the AFP will not partake in any unconstitutional actions. “First and foremost, during the rally conducted over the weekend at the People Power Monument, there were again calls for the AFP to do unconstitutional actions. The statement of the Chief of Staff (Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.) has been very clear: The AFP will not involve itself in any unconstitutional activity, not during his watch,” he said.

Malacañang, meanwhile, dismissed calls for Marcos’ resignation, emphasizing that the President remains focused on national issues. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “Hindi po option sa administrasyon, sa Pangulo ang pagbibitiw. Ang Pangulo ay matapang na haharapin ang suliranin ng bansa at silang mga nag-iingay ay ingay lamang”
(Resignation is not an option for the President. The President will face all the challenges confronting the country head on; those who are making noise are simply noise). (PNA)