MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called for calm on Saturday, November 23, following Vice President Sara Duterte’s public statements that appeared to threaten the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the military’s Commander-in-Chief.

In a statement, AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and its unwavering commitment to professionalism. He assured the public that the armed forces remain focused on their mandate to safeguard the nation.

“We call for calm and resolve, and for everyone to hold on to our values of respect and nationalism that will guide us in these trying times. We reiterate our need to stand together against those who will try to break our bonds as Filipinos,” Brawner stated.

“As a cornerstone of national stability, the AFP shall remain non-partisan, with utmost respect for our democratic institutions and civilian authority,” he added.

The controversy erupted after Vice President Duterte, once a political ally of Marcos, publicly admitted to plotting the assassination of the President, along with First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte’s remarks, described by Malacañang as “active threats,” have sparked widespread alarm.

Malacañang has since ordered the Presidential Security Command to take “immediate proper action” in response to the alleged threats.

VP Duterte Trying to Forestall Order to Transfer OVP Chief of Staff to Mandaluyong Detention

House Sergeant-at-Arms Napoleon Taas stated that Vice President Sara Duterte prevented the House of Representatives from carrying out its order to transfer her chief of staff to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

Taas stated in a press conference on Saturday that Duterte “physically” intervened to prevent the transfer direction from being served on Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, who was first ordered detained at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

“The execution of this lawful order was directly obstructed by Vice President Sara Duterte, who took the extraordinary step of introducing herself as Atty. Lopez’s legal counsel and physically intervening to prevent the service of the transfer order,” Taas said.

“This act of interference demonstrates a blatant disregard for institutional authority and due process, setting a dangerous precedent of abuse of power,” the Sergeant-at-Arms added.

Taas also revealed that Vice President Duterte’s refusal to comply with the House leadership’s request for her to leave the Batasang Pambansa Complex after the 10 p.m. visitation curfew led to a lockdown of the entire House premises.

The House sergeant-at-arms stated that Duterte’s actions disrupted the operations of the lower chamber, violated rules on visiting detainees, and jeopardized security protocols by bringing an “excessive and unauthorized” armed presence into the complex.

“The vice president’s actions caused significant disruptions including excessive resource strain, the allocation of security personnel, and compromising safety within the House premises,” Taas stressed.

Solon Calls for Heightened Security in Response to Death Threat

House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong urged heightened security measures to ensure the safety of the President, the First Lady, and the Speaker.

“Ang Pangulo at ang Speaker ay mahalagang haligi ng ating demokrasya. Anumang banta laban sa kanila ay banta rin sa seguridad ng ating bansa,” Adiong said.

“This rhetoric is deeply irresponsible and deeply troubling. We do not want these kinds of threats to be directed against anyone—not to the sitting President, the Speaker, or even to the Vice President herself. Instead of fostering unity, it incites fear and division, creates an atmosphere of insecurity among the top echelon of our government, and promotes a culture of violence,” he said.

“We must take these threats seriously and provide heightened security for the President, the First Lady, and the Speaker… The safety of our leaders is paramount to maintaining the trust and confidence of the people in our democratic institutions,” Adiong underscored.

The political rivalry between Duterte and Marcos has escalated in recent months, deepening divisions within the country’s leadership. Authorities are now working to address the security implications of Duterte’s statements while urging the public to remain united and steadfast in upholding national stability.

📷 VP Sara Duterte FB