MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected what it described as “malicious claims” alleging a rift between the military and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., dismissing the narratives as part of influence operations.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Navy reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the claims circulating on Chinese platforms were designed to sow division within the country’s institutions.

“These narratives are blatant influence operations designed to manufacture internal division where none exists. The AFP remains entirely professional, cohesive and steadfast in its loyalty to the Constitution,” AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Navy reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a message to reporters.

Trinidad said the allegations surfaced following reports linked to the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate building in Pasay City, which he noted had been used as basis for online narratives suggesting tension between the military and the President.

He stressed that the military remains unified under the Commander-in-Chief.

“The AFP stands united under the command of President Marcos Jr. as Commander-in-Chief. We urge the public to dismiss these destabilizing foreign narratives and rely only on official, verified information,” he added.

The AFP maintained that it remains cohesive and loyal to the Constitution amid what it called attempts to spread disinformation.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Armed Forces of the Philippines reiterated its call for the public to rely only on verified and official sources of information.