MANILA — Malacañang warned the public against what it described as “forces of darkness,” while clarifying that it has not yet verified reports of an alleged plan to storm the Palace on June 12, Independence Day.

The statement came after veteran broadcaster Ramon Tulfo posted on social media that intelligence discussions in Camp Crame allegedly included a supposed plan by groups linked to supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte to attack Malacañang on the said date.

Tulfo also claimed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had received intelligence reports pointing to a possible attack led by a religious group.

In response, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities could not confirm the existence of such a plot.

“Sa ngayon wala tayong makukumpirma sa sinasabing plano ng mga destabilizer sa June 12 (At this time, we cannot confirm the alleged plan of destabilizers for June 12),” she said in a text message to reporters on Friday, June 5.

Castro, however, said attempts to destabilize the government are not new.

“Hindi naman bago ang mga ganitong aksyon dahil noon pa nila nais iluklok sa pwesto ang kanilang poon na gahaman sa kapangyarihan kahit wala pa ang 2028 (But these kinds of actions are not new because they have long wanted to install their power-hungry idol into office even before 2028),” she said, without naming any individual or group.

She also urged the public to remain alert.

“Mag-ingat po tayong lahat sa mga kampon ng kadiliman (Let us all be wary of the forces of darkness),” Castro said.

Castro added that it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and investigative bodies to respond if credible threats are confirmed.

“Nasa mandato naman po ng mga law enforcement agency at investigating bodies na aksyunan ang mga ganitong klaseng illegal activities (It is within the mandate of law enforcement agencies and investigating bodies to act on these kinds of illegal activities),” she said.

As of posting time, Malacañang has not issued any formal security advisory regarding the reported June 12 plot, while police authorities have yet to confirm the existence of any related intelligence reports.