Rappler's latest stories on Edgard Arevalo
AFP backs Army chief’s 'murder, rubout' claim on soldiers' deaths
The Armed Forces of the Philippines says Army chief Gilbert Gapay has basis for his claim on what happened in Sulu, but defers to the probe of the National Bureau of Investigation
Military vows more offensives as Duterte insists NPA top terror threat in PH
'We will strike while the iron is hot,' says the Armed Forces of the Philippines after Duterte steps up his rhetoric against communist rebels
Military ‘pleased’ with Congress passage of anti-terror bill
The bill does not seem to add any new power to the armed forces, says military spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo
Lorenzana, AFP defend military chief's 'out of place' letter to Chinese envoy
Although the military chief's letter to the Chinese envoy may have been 'out of place,' Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says he sees nothing wrong with it
Military says 'no animosity' with police over Winston Ragos' killing
Whether the police officer who killed Ragos made the right 'judgment call' or not, the military imputes no offense on the police organization itself, says Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo
Even in stricter lockdown, military says it will play ‘support role’
At least 2,500 soldiers are deployed in the National Capital Region and 2,000 more are ready to be sent out if needed. But the PNP takes the lead, says the military.
Military records 33 coronavirus cases among soldiers, families
Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo says that the Armed Forces' COVID-19 patients include soldiers, family members, civilian employees, and a reservist
‘Natural reaction’ for AFP to prepare for possible martial law-like lockdown
'We believe there is nothing to be alarmed about in this natural reaction of the AFP to prepare and deploy when it becomes necessary,' says military spokesperson, Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo
‘We have to stop them’: AFP ready to enforce martial law-like lockdown
If directed by the president, the military says it will work with the police to enforce discipline and order to prevent further violations of enhanced community quarantine rules
‘Hard sell?’ Military boasts rosy poll results as it faces criticism over new anti-terror bill
An SWS poll shows high public satisfaction with the AFP, just as Congress decides on a law that gives the military broader powers in pursuing terror suspects
Survey shows big majority of Filipinos satisfied with military
Majority of Filipinos also trust in the AFP's capability to defeat security threats, but less so when it comes to West Philippine Sea intruders, says an SWS survey
Military denies soldiers helped syndicates smuggle cash into PH
It could have been retired servicemen now working for private security companies whom the Bureau of Customs spotted escorting syndicates' couriers at the airport, says AFP spokesperson Edgard Arevalo
Can PH defend itself without U.S. help? We can, we will, we should – AFP
The die is cast, says the military
Military seeks dialogue after lawmakers slammed crackdown on progressive groups
The military deny that they are cracking down on progressive groups, whom they call 'communist terrorists' and whose offices they have raided in recent weeks
Lorenzana not inclined to recommend Mindanao martial law extension
The defense chief says he is waiting for the military and police to give their input, and President Duterte will still have the final say on the matter
Military denies 'harassment' in arresting alleged communist rebels
The Armed Forces of the Philippines says the search warrants issued by a Quezon City trial court judge prove there was probable cause against the suspects
Revenge attacks by pro-ISIS groups ‘very likely’ after Baghdadi killing – analyst
The death of ISIS' top leader in the Middle East may shift extremists' attention closer to home as they try to avenge his death and assert their influence, says leading terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna
Death of ISIS leader Baghdadi ‘just a momentary setback’ – Lorenzana
The killing of ISIS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by US Special Forces may be a 'severe blow' to the terror group but ISIS-linked terrorists in the Philippines will continue to be a threat, the defense chief and the military say
Military supports 'selective martial law' in Mindanao
The Armed Forces of the Philippines says it supports Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte's 'recommendation' that the city be exempted from martial law
AFP to probe Murad’s claim that military is ‘main source’ of Mindanao loose firearms
The interim chief minister of the new Bangsamoro autonomous region earlier said that many loose firearms in Mindanao bear the markings of the Department of National Defense
AFP says deal with China-backed telco 'no cause for concern'
The military says it has 'appropriate safeguards' in place, as it defends a deal allowing Mislatel to build facilities in military camps
'What militarization?' AFP defends planned presence in schools
The military says soldiers would be 'engaging' students during information campaigns and lectures, not curtailing their academic freedom
Military pushes proposal to amend 'weak' anti-terrorism law
The Armed Forces of the Philippines calls for more drastic powers against terror suspects as Congress moves forward with amending the Human Security Act of 2007
Reports on Sri Lankan terrorists in PH doubtful – AFP
Reports of terrorists from Sri Lanka slipping into the Philippines and preparing for attacks in Luzon appear to be a family feud 'gone awry'
AFP verifying reports of Sri Lankan terrorists in PH
The military is on heightened alert as it verifies pieces of information about alleged terror threats to churches and other establishments in Luzon
AFP hits 'deception' in China warships' passage
The military spokesman’s statement is markedly stronger than previous statements of security officials on the clandestine passage of China's naval vessels
AFP says Marawi aid audit report 'not quite accurate'
The Armed Forces denies irregularities in its handling of aid money, after state auditors flagged the disparity in amounts given to wounded soldiers
Commission on Appointments approves promotion of 74 military officers
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Edgard Arevalo and 6th Infantry Division commander Cirilito Sobejano were among those confirmed
Stay calm, military tells public
There has been no unusual movement of military vehicles in the capital, says the armed forces spokesman
AFP on revocation of Trillanes' amnesty: 'Just following orders'
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo says the military is exercising its mandate, following President Rodrigo Duterte's proclamation
PH military asks communities to step up amid spate of bombings
Security agencies fail to prevent another bombing in Sultan Kudarat in southern Philippines, raising questions about the effectiveness of martial law
PH military declares support for Duterte in wake of Sereno ouster
The statement comes in the wake of a controversial Supreme Court vote to remove Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, an appointee of former President Benigno Aquino III whom Duterte called his 'enemy'
Military air strike kills more soldiers in Marawi
UPDATED Two soldiers are killed and 11 wounded as another military air strike goes wrong in Marawi City where the crisis is now on its 8th week
Chiefs of ASEAN militaries to meet in Manila
The meetings will bolster the ASEAN militaries collective experience and resolve to combat modern global security challenges AFP chief General Eduardo Año says
General Año upset, takes action vs soldiers spreading fake news
Apologizing to Rappler executive editor Maria Ressa the military says the online attacks of some soldiers against her – on the basis of fake news – are not in keeping with the AFP as an institution that is committed to the protection and advocacy of human rights especially those of women
AFP contradicts PNP on Maute presence in Metro Manila
UPDATED Members of the ISIS inspired group are not in the country s capital based on military intelligence
20 military outposts, camps damaged by Typhoon Nina
The military gives assurances it will continue its rescue and relief operations for typhoon victims
Philippines, Japan to hold fresh naval drills
The June 22 26 joint maneuvers with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force would be only the second ever after an unprecedented one day exercise in the South China Sea last month
Sabah insists: PH Navy shot 35 'Sulu militants'
Sabah police chief Hamza Taib says he could however only cite intelligence reports since the incident did not happen within his jurisdiction
