Supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte have amplified viral claims that Iran could target the Philippines in retaliation for US actions in the Middle East, a narrative analysts say is being used to portray the country’s defence ties with Washington as a threat to national security.
The rumours spread widely enough online that the Armed Forces of the Philippines felt compelled to issue a public rebuttal.
On Tuesday, armed forces spokeswoman Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said there was…
