The Armed Forces of the Philippines join the civic and military parade during the celebration of the  125th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila on June 12, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File MANILA -- Facing the bicameral Commission on Appointments, Armed Forces of the Philippine Intelligence Command Chief Lt. Gen Ferdinand Barandon eased worry over the loyalty of the military establishment should there be an impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte.

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Barandon affirmed that the Philippine army members and officials are "professionals and mission-oriented" who will follow the chain of command. 

"As far as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, sir, there's nothing to worry about because, again, as mentioned by the chief of staff, we've been mission-focused and we will abide by the duly constituted authority," he stressed.

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He, however, stated that he is not in the position to share what retired military officers would want should the impeachment move prosper.

Known Duterte ally Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, former PNP chief and retired general himself, took the chance to make a preemptive clarification should he be accused of being part of an alleged destabilization plot.

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"As I mentioned a while ago, sir, the leadership, AFP leadership, is constantly in contact with our personnel down the chain of command and informing them of our sworn duty," Barandon told dela Rosa. 

"Magandang pakinggan coming from you as the chief of the intelligence command of the Armed Forces na you are not able to monitor [any coup plot], there's nothing to worry about, as far as the Filipino people are concerned. Wala silang isipin na kudeta. Wala silang isipin na destabilization," Dela Rosa said.

"At least kami rin di rin ako mapagbintangan na magdedestabilize ng Pilipinas di ba?" he added.

The lawmaker stated that since politics "has minimum of two sides", Barandon's affirmation proves that he could not be accused of plotting a coup.

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Earlier in the hearing, Barandon expressed his willingness to discuss the government's actions in dealing with foreign intelligence entities in the country when he was asked by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros. 

"Recently, there have been reports of foreign nationals in close proximity to EDCA sites and other military facilities. POGOs have also been linked to hostile intelligence gathering and disinformation activities, particularly after foreign military uniforms were found by the PAOCC. Ano pong opinion niyo sa din-idescribe ng ilan na foreign malign influence dito po sa ating bansa, Mr. Chair?" Hontiveros said. 

"Madam, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines transitioned to external secured operations, the threat of foreign interference and malign operations has come to fore. And exactly that we see foreign intelligence entities as well as foreign entities that have been operating within our country should be prioritized. Because they endanger not only the vital installations but the overall socioeconomic activities within the Philippines," the military intel chief answered.

Barandon said that he believes the integration of their intelligence effort must be emphasized to "effectively address the prevailing threat towards national security".