The son of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, was criticized by a civic group for seemingly leaning toward China and for his recent remarks questioning the loyalty of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Our soldiers and coast guard officers stand on the frontlines not for politics or foreign powers, but for the Filipino people. To question their patriotism without proof is to insult every Filipino who has ever worn the uniform,” said Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of civic groups Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.

AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner earlier said a US-deployed weapon system in the country has a range that could reach mainland China, which was lashed by Pulong in a social media post, stating: “So is this now our idea of defense? Showing off for America even if it’s clear that Filipinos will be the first to burn from another nation’s retaliation? Who are you really serving? The Philippines or the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)?”

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, then hit Pulong, calling the remarks “divisive noise” that undermines the country’s defense partnerships.

Goitia described the attacks on the military’s integrity as “dangerous distractions that divide the nation at a time when our sovereignty faces real threats.”

“To accuse our defenders of being puppets without proof is not patriotism, it is manipulation,” he said. “It distracts us from the real threat, the one building islands in waters that are rightfully ours.”

He warned that disinformation has become a powerful weapon, one that erodes trust in institutions and divides citizens.

“We cannot fight for our seas while fighting among ourselves,” he added.

The civic leader commended the AFP and PCG for their professionalism despite public attacks and online harassment. “They continue to serve with discipline and dignity even when their loyalty is questioned,” he said. “That is true patriotism, to protect the country quietly while others spread noise.”