By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) elevated the alert status of all military units stationed in Metro Manila to Red Alert Tuesday night as authorities continued to monitor the large-scale protest gathering near the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Military officials said the heightened alert is a precautionary measure intended to ensure that personnel, equipment, and operational resources remain immediately available should civilian authorities require military assistance in maintaining peace and public order.
The AFP emphasized that the move is part of its standard contingency protocols and does not signify the declaration of any extraordinary security situation.
Throughout the evening, soldiers remained on standby while the Philippine National Police (PNP) took the lead in securing the rally area and managing traffic and crowd control operations. Coordination between the AFP, PNP, and other government agencies continued to ensure that essential public services remained uninterrupted despite the large demonstration.
Military officials reiterated that any assistance provided by the AFP would be carried out only upon lawful request from civilian authorities and strictly within the limits set by the Constitution and existing laws.
The armed forces also underscored their commitment to political neutrality, stressing that the institution remains non-partisan and focused solely on preserving public safety, protecting the rights of citizens, and safeguarding national security.
The AFP assured the public that while forces remain on heightened readiness, their primary mission is to support lawful government operations while respecting human rights and the constitutional right of Filipinos to peacefully assemble.
ia/xf
