MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) said it is not monitoring any destabilization efforts within the active ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in connection with the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said.

“Sa ngayon, involving active duty members, wala kaming namo-monitor at ’yun lang ang tinututukan namin,” Teodoro told reporters.

In a report, it said that he clarified that while there are individuals from retired military circles who have been expressing views, they are no longer under the jurisdiction of the DND.

“Wala na kaming jurisdiction sa kanila at wala naman silang impluwensya sa kasundaluhan. Libre sila bilang normal citizens na magpahayag,” he said.

Teodoro made the statement as questions continue to be raised about potential political tensions surrounding the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President.

In April, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson alleged that there were efforts to seek support from members of the uniformed services for a possible military-backed “revolution.”

Malacañang earlier said it would be up to law enforcement agencies to verify and investigate Lacson’s claims.

The military’s intelligence community had also previously looked into reports of an alleged destabilization plot against the Marcos administration last year.