Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

AFP probes ‘unusual’ funding behind UPI rally, eyes possible foreign support; organizers object

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is checking what it describes as “unusual” logistical and financial support behind the rally conducted at the People Power Monument in Quezon City over the weekend.Acting AFP Spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the rally organized by the United People’s Initiative (UPI) appeared highly organized and well-funded, possibly even with foreign backing.“On the monitoring of the AFP for these different activities to ensure the safety and protection of those involved, we have noted that the support system was unusual when it comes to administrative requirements or administrative support given to the participants of the rally,” Trinidad told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.“The way it was organized, the support system, the food and the other ancillary equipment or facilities needed, it was organized—it was grand. Ika nga, grande ang preparasyon,” he added, noting that the quality and nature of the catering alone suggested substantial funding.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/18/inc-rally-ends-after-two-days-some-members-stay-overnight-despite-early-wrap-up-0746">INC rally ends after two days; some members stay overnight despite early wrap-up</a></div>Without naming the brands, Trinidad said the AFP is checking all possible leads to determine whether the rally was financed by domestic groups or even foreign sources.“Without going to specific names or brands, you will be able to see based on the catering or the food provided. This will give us an indication of the support system or the funding of the activity,” the official said.“We are 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.In a post on Facebook, UPI convenor retired Major General Romeo Poquiz quickly rejected the AFP’s claims, saying the organizers could barely feed their own participants.“Anong foreign funding? Hindi nga namin mapakain lahat ng nag-aattend ng rally namin,” Poquiz said.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/17/-pagod-na-rin-ang-mga-tao-iglesia-ends-anti-corruption-rally-after-2-days-2346">‘Pagod na rin ang mga tao’: Iglesia ends anti-corruption rally after 2 days</a></div>Trinidad, meanwhile, noted that the rally once again included calls urging the military to “do unconstitutional actions.”But the official stressed that the AFP leadership remains firm: “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 has been very clear. The AFP will not involve itself in any unconstitutional activity—not during his watch.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is checking what it describes as “unusual” logistical and financial support behind the rally conducted at the People Power Monument in Quezon City over the weekend.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is checking what it describes as “unusual” logistical and financial support behind the rally conducted at the People Power Monument in Quezon City over the weekend.