CLAIM: The Armed Forces of the Philippines showed its support to Vice President Sara Duterte by trooping to Manila.
RATING: FALSE
A Facebook reel falsely claimed that Davao City-based military troops loyal to Vice President Sara Duterte were mobilized and sent to Manila to protect her.
Facebook user “John Naupan” posted a video that bore a text overlay that read: “AFP PRO SUPPORT [sic] DUTERTE[.] AFP Ng Davao Limipad na Papuntang Manila Para Bigyan proteksyon SI Vice president SARA DUTERTE.”
(“AFP is pro-Duterte. AFP of Davao has mobilized to Manila to give Vice President Sara Duterte protection.”)
However, no “AFP-Davao” exists in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ structure. According to the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command website (EASTMINCOM), the command, based in Panacan, Davao City, has three (3) component units: the Army, Air Force, and Navy, that are strategically deployed to Eastern Mindanao that covers the Davao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga regions.
AFP-Davao is also not listed in any of EASTMINCOM’s joint task forces.
The Armed Forces’ official Facebook page has released a statement debunking the claim.
In the post, the AFP reiterated that it “remains focused on fulfilling its mandate with professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to the Constitution and the Chain of Command.” Hurt Allauigan
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