MANILA, Oct. 26 -- Retired military officers have broken their silence amid political tension, warning against any extra-constitutional moves such as a military junta, calling it a "catastrophic betrayal of democracy."

In a strongly worded statement dated Oct. 24, the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO), composed of retired senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), expressed "full and unequivocal support" for the Department of National Defense (DND) and military leadership in their commitment to constitutional order.

"Any extra-constitutional move, such as a military junta, would be a catastrophic betrayal of our democracy," the group said.

"It would betray the very democratic principles we spent our car...