Philippine Army soldiers stand at attention during the celebration of the 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Wednesday it has not issued any guidance restricting the freedom of expression of civilians, including the families of military personnel, on social media.

The AFP made the statement after a post circulating on Facebook showed an alleged memo, reminding military personnel and their dependents to refrain from posting and commenting on social media about the country’s political situation.

The post, initially made by the group “Army Ladies Club”, has been taken down.

“The AFP upholds the right to freedom of expression for all citizens. We encourage responsible online engagement and critical evaluation of information to mitigate the spread of disinformation,” the AFP said in a statement on Wednesday.

In the same release, the AFP said chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.'s visit to various units aimed to instill the importance of "professionalism, discipline, and mission" among their crew.

"These internal engagements are vital for strengthening the AFP's core values and operational effectiveness," it also said. 

The AFP emphasized that as it upholds the right to freedom of expression, it also encourages social media users to hold "responsible online engagement."

"The AFP remains dedicated to transparency, professionalism, and constructive engagement with both its personnel and the public," it added.

The AFP did, in 2020, remind personnel to "maintain proper behavior in their online and social media activities", according to news reports in June and September of that year. 

Since 2016, AFP social media policy prohibits troops and civilian staff from posting "information that harms or puts other people in embarrassing, inconvenient, and or humiliating positions, or puts the AFP or any of its units in [a] bad light."

PHILIPPINE ARMY OFFICERS’ LADIES CLUB INC.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army spokesperson, confirmed to ABS-CBN News that the “Army Ladies Club” is not the official Facebook account of the Philippine Army Officers’ Ladies Club Incorporated (PAOLCI).

The PAOLCI is an organization of Army officers’ spouses that aims to help enhance the general welfare of Army families through the implementation of projects in education, health and livelihood.

PAOLCI "disassociates itself from any posts that don’t align with the sentiments of legitimate military dependents," it said.

“As an organization, PAOLCI values responsible and respectful online behaviors. It respects the differing views of its members and acknowledges the responsibilities of their spouses. However, PAOLCI emphasizes that it’s not part of their values or beliefs as military dependents to promote divisive or prejudicial content.”

The group urged the public to exercise caution and responsibility when posting online, promoting a “culture of respect and empathy.”

‘RESIGN FIRST BEFORE EXPRESSING SENTIMENTS’

Dema-ala reminded Army personnel to refrain from engaging in political activities, expressing political statements or promoting political views, stressing that the Philippine Army is a non-partisan institution.

“They need to resign first before they can express their sentiments for us to protect the organization as the last bastion of stability,” Dema-ala said in a message sent to reporters.

He also noted that it is imperative that Army personnel remain focused on their duty to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, “without becoming entangled in partisan politics.”

“The Philippine Army is constantly reminding our troops to isolate themselves from the noise [on] social media at dapat focused lang sa mandato na iniatang sa amin, at manatiling matatag na tagapagtanggol ng ating Konstitusyon at seguridad ng ating mga mamamayan,” the Army official said.

(They should be focused on our mandate and remain steadfast defenders of the Constitution and the security of our fellow Filipinos)

RUMORED RESIGNATIONS AFTER DUTERTE ARREST

Recently, a police officer identified as Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas openly criticized the police force and the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He is now facing charges of inciting to sedition in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act filed by the QCPD.

Since Duterte's arrest, there were also reports of troops allegedly posting their intent to resign from the AFP on social media.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, assured the public earlier that the military remains "stable" and explained that personnel cannot "just resign via social media."

“Strictly, ang ating resignation is a formal process. You cannot resign via social media. Hindi ka puwedeng mag-post na nagreresign ka. I don’t think that is the proper forum,” she said.

“We have necessary social media policies in place. Any personnel found to be violating this will be sanctioned accordingly,” she added.

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