Gibo: No destabilization threat seen amid VP Sara impeachment

Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro, Jr. (Courtesy: Department of National Defense Philippines)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said the government has not monitored any destabilization activities involving active military personnel in connection with the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Sa ngayon, involving active duty members, wala kaming namo-monitor at ‘yun lang naman ang tinututukan namin (As of now, regarding active duty members, we haven’t monitored any [concerning activity], and that is what we are focusing on),” Teodoro said.

He stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains professional despite political tensions surrounding the impeachment case.

“Sa hanay ng kasundaluhan, wala pong threat at matagal na pong, you know, whatever administration, maraming mga haka-haka, pero hindi naman namumuo ’to since EDSA Dos, right?” he told reporters.

(Within the ranks of the military, there is no threat. For a long time—you know, regardless of the administration—there have been many rumors, but nothing has actually materialized since EDSA II, right?)

The defense chief clarified, however, that retired military personnel are beyond the jurisdiction of the Department of National Defense.

“Eh, wala na kaming jurisdiction sa kanila at wala naman silang impluwensya sa ating kasundaluhan. Libre sila bilang normal citizens maghayag, but once you’re retired from the service, that’s it,” he said.

(They don’t have any influence over our military. They are free, as normal citizens, to express themselves.)

Teodoro added that most military retirees do not associate themselves with anti-government activities.

“Because retirees, you know, they have different priorities now, and right now, we must thank them for the unconditional support for the DND initiatives on external and internal security,” he said.

Teodoro maintained that the military continues to remain focused on its mandate despite political developments in the country. — Rex Espiritu