CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr. has something to say about rumors of a possible coup d’etat or establishment of a military junta and he asserts that these will not resolve the country's problems even as voting for the right candidate would be the right thing to do in assuring Filipinos for a better future.

Brawner issued his opinion on the matter as he noted the growing 'complaints' from the public about the government, which has triggered gossips from critics and so-called 'destabilizers' that the military could or may initiate a take over of the reins of governance.

“I have only one appeal to our countrymen: let’s use this election to bring out our sentiments by voting for the right people in the right positions,” the AFP chief enthused in a mix of Filipino and English during a joint press conference with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Because many are complaining now about our country’s problems, others think that the solution is to have a military coup d’etat or military junta. That is not the solution. Let’s handle our election better,” he added.

The 56-year-old Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate of the Majatao Class of 1989 likewise bared that the task of the military during the campaign period and the election day is to assist in the maintenance of peace and order and security as well from private armed groups (PAGs), 'peace spoilers', the New People’s Army (NPA) who are reportedly back to their permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fund-raising strategies.
"The Comelec has tasked us to deploy troops and assets to support the Commission in its duties. The AFP will also ensure the safe transport of election materials and protection of poll personnel, along with the police force under the supervision and direction of the Comelec," Brawner avowed.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed that it is monitoring three active PAGs in Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Mindanao. Aside from the active ones, the police force is likewise monitoring five potential PAGs in various areas nationwide.