Marcos trusts AFP amid reports of VP's security detail in alleged plot

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s trust in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains intact despite information from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that persons of interest in an alleged assassination plot are from the active uniformed personnel and the security group of Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang said Thursday. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, however, stressed that it must be identified if any member of the military would break faith to protect one individual. “The President’s trust in our soldiers remains intact. But it is necessary to identify those who are planning to break away to protect or fight for the interests of a single individual, in defiance of the law and the Constitution,” Castro said. During the impeachment trial on Wednesday, NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that some members of Duterte’s security detail have been tagged as persons of interest in connection with the individual allegedly hired by the Vice President to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The NBI chief said that some of them are uniformed personnel who are still active in the uniformed services. Castro said she is still uncertain if such information was already relayed to Marcos, but assured that it was provided to his security. Asked if there has to be loyalty checks in the AFP, she said that there is no need for such at the moment. “The President knows who he needs to trust. There is no loyalty check now. That is now up to his security and in the leadership of the military,” the Palace official added. This report raises new concerns about political tensions within the Philippines and potential influences within its security agencies. The stability of the AFP is considered crucial for maintaining domestic security and territorial defense under the Marcos administration. Source: GMA News Philippines