AFP probes possible foreign funding for retiree protest

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating the possibility that the recent protest led by military retirees was funded by foreign groups.

AFP Acting Spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad pointed to the "unusual support system" and the "grand" nature of the United People's Initiative (UPI) rally as reasons for suspicion.

UPI lawyers vehemently denied the foreign funding accusation, stating that the AFP has produced no documentary evidence, no identified foreign actor, no bank trail, and no verified intelligence report.

The UPI, composed primarily of retired military and police officials, has called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down, citing alleged corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The rally, initially planned for three days, was cut short after the Quezon City government denied the UPI another permit, citing seditious statements made by participants.