Manila, Oct. 27 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday said Filipinos' outright rejection of any military intervention in any political dispute shows the country has a "mature democracy."

"The public's clear rejection of any form of military intervention in politics underscores a mature democracy and validates the AFP's (Armed Forces of the Philippines) steadfast commitment to remain non-partisan and focused on defending the nation," it said in a statement.

The DND said foreign-backed quarters are parroting rumors of military intervention for their own benefit in an attempt to subvert the country's constitutional processes and hijack the people's call for accountability and transparency for their personal political agenda...