Marilyn Cahatol

Security personnel from the Philippine National Police ( PNP) , Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assemble in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 6, 2025, as they prepare for the "Pahalik' on January 7 as part of the annual Traslacion  of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2025. 

Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

TRASLACION 2025

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:617px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175799625955520250106-pahalik-preparation-quirino-grandstand-JC9407.jpg" style="width:617px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Security personnel from the Philippine National Police ( PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assemble in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 6, 2025, as they prepare for the &quot;Pahalik&#x27; on January 7 as part of the annual Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2025. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it supports the anti-corruption drive but reminded soldiers to remain professional amid brewing massive rallies on September 21.</p><p>AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that while the AFP respects the views of soldiers, they must never show any political bias and must only pledge allegiance to the flag, duly constituted authorities, and the Constitution.</p><p>“As we wear the uniform, we do not have any other color than the uniform that we wear,” Padilla told reporters in a weekly media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.</p><p>The AFP will be on red alert, its highest alert status, for the September 21 rallies to remain on standby for any eventuality.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/13/13-rallies-recorded-in-metro-manila-during-black-friday-protests-pnp-0853">13 rallies recorded in Metro Manila during Black Friday protests: PNP</a></div><p>Padilla clarified that the red alert status should not be interpreted as support for any politician or individual involved.</p><p>“Let us not compare apples and oranges. Ang pag-red alert namin is for security, national security in general and not for any political color,” Padilla said.</p><p>(Our red alert is for security, national security in general, and not for any political color.)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/13/palace-supports-sept-21-protests-vs-corruption-but-1646">Palace supports Sept. 21 protests vs corruption but…</a></div><p>Anti-corruption demonstrations have grown in recent weeks and are expected to expand further, as calls to fill Luneta Park in Manila on September 21 spread on social media.</p><p>Padilla said no threats have been monitored regarding the expected massive gathering.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/15/groups-call-on-public-to-join-sept-21-protest-to-voice-anger-over-corruption-1658">&#x27;Sobra na, tama na, ikulong na&#x27;: Groups call on public to join Sept. 21 protest to voice anger over widespread corruption</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LhwNbpMQcE0?si=GrJUC8ss2fquGx86" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it supports the anti-corruption drive but reminded soldiers to remain professional amid brewing massive rallies on September 21.</p>

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it supports the anti-corruption drive but reminded soldiers to remain professional amid brewing massive rallies on September 21.

AFP backs anti-corruption drive, but warns soldiers vs political bias

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AFP backs anti-corruption drive, but warns soldiers vs political bias

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 16, 2025 12:33 PM PHT

|

Updated September 16, 2025 01:15 PM PHT

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AFP

Armed Forces of the Philippines

corruption

rallies

Manila

Francel Margareth Padilla

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