A group of high-ranking former military and police have come out to express their full support behind the candidacy of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Among those who came out were seven retired chiefs of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard, nine Medal of Valor awardees, seven former service commanders and at least 100 retired generals and senior officers.
In a manifesto of support signed by the officials, the group expressed their strong belief that Marcos will initiate true reforms in their respective institutions, particularly in the police and military.
The former military and police officials also called on the public to be vigilant in protecting their votes as they urged for peaceful and honest elections as reports surfaced that the New People’s Army could be out to sabotage the elections.
“For the future of our country, of our children and our children’s children, it is incumbent upon all sectors of our society to rally behind and support whoever is chosen by our people through free, fair and honest elections,” the group said.
“It is our Constitutional duty as citizens of the Republic to resist any and all efforts to subvert the democratic will of our people,” they added in their manifesto.
Among the signatories were former AFP chiefs Generals Roy Cimatu, Benjamin Defensor Jr., Dionisio Santiago and Felimon Santos and former PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon Jr.
Former PCG chiefs Admiral Damian Carlos and Admiral Danilo Abinoja also signed the manifesto.
The Medal of Valor awardees who signed the manifesto of support for Marcos were Ariel Querubin, Noel Buan, Roberto Salvador, Hilario Estrella, Bienvenido Fajemolin, Leopoldo Diokno, Lucio Curig, Roy Cuenca and Francisco Granpil.
Meanwhile, the mayors of 25 cities and municipalities in Nueva Ecija are all behind the tandem of Marcos and his running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio.