The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has issued a strong rebuttal to Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte’s recent remarks questioning the temporary deployment of the United States’ Typhon missile system in the country, calling his statements “misleading.”

In a statement released Sunday, the AFP clarified that the missile system’s presence is strictly for training and capability-building purposes, aligned with the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization efforts. The military emphasized that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.’s comments about the missile’s range were purely technical and not indicative of any offensive posture.

“Any insinuation that the AFP or its leadership serves foreign interests is false and undermines the integrity, professionalism, and patriotism of the institution,” the AFP said.

Rep. Duterte had earlier expressed concern that the deployment could entangle the Philippines in foreign conflicts. In response, the AFP stressed that all defense partnerships are conducted in accordance with the country’s independent foreign policy and sovereign prerogative.

The military also urged public officials and opinion leaders to exercise caution and responsibility in their statements, warning that misinformation could erode public trust in the armed forces.

“The AFP remains steadfast in its duty to protect the Filipino people and defend the nation’s sovereignty—serving no one but the Filipino and protecting nothing but the Philippines,” the statement concluded.

This exchange highlights growing tensions over the Philippines’ evolving defense ties with the United States, amid rising regional security challenges.