By Ronron
June 10, 2005
An investigation is on-going in the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) following the leak of a taped conversation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regarding the 2004 Presidential elections.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu said Friday the probe is being conducted internally because the ISAFP is always a suspect when it comes to wiretapping activities, even if there are other agencies capable of doing it as well.
“There is an investigation being done because these things are not only affecting the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is affecting even the Office of the President… This is a serious matter,” Abu told reporters after a fellowship lunch he hosted with members of the press at Camp Aguinaldo as he is about to retire on June 24 when he reaches the mandatory age of retirement of 56.
The taped conversation was released early this week by Malacañang to preempt a similar move allegedly by a segment of the political opposition. The conversation shows Arroyo trying to manipulate the results of the 2004 polls to her favor. Arroyo won the polls over rival candidate Fernando Poe, Jr. by a margin of over one million votes.
Later in the afternoon yesterday, a former Intelligence official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claimed that he has in his possession the “mother of all tapes.” Atty. Samuel Ong said he got it from agents of the ISAFP whom he made friends with long before while he was still in the government.
Ong challenged officials to immediately go to the ISAFP quarters inside Camp Aguinaldo to check the missing tapes.
But the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence was quick to deny Ong’s claims. Rear Admiral Tirso Danga, in a hastily called and conducted press briefing, said: “There is no missing tape. And we are not keeping any tape because it is not our job to wire-tap.”
ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Marlu Quevedo, in a separate interview over the phone, assured that all of their tapes are safely in their hands. He said they do not need to conduct an inventory of the tapes because every thing is in tact.
“Every time tapes like that come out, the suspect is ISAFP. But we believe that it is not only ISAFP that has the capability to produce that kind of tape because anybody can have a recording,” Abu said.
“That is why we are investigating these reports … so that ISAFP can also be cleared if we found out that the report is not true,” he added.
The military chief said he has not personally asked Quevedo whether the tape was really from the ISAFP as he leaves everything to the investigation which is being headed by Danga.
Abu also denied relieving Quevedo or restricting men of the ISAFP within their compound pending the completion of said investigation.
“We have not given any orders to that effect,” Abu said.
He refused to say whether or not he has already identified a replacement for Quevedo, citing confidentiality, following a statement from Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita that Commodore Leonardo Calderon will take over Quevedo’s post sometime this month.
“I still have not made an official communication with Malacañang,” Abu said when asked if he has submitted his recommendations already for Quevedo’s possible replacement.
Reports of Quevedo’s relief surfaced after ISAFP was cited as initial suspect in the leakage of Arroyo’s taped conversation. /DMS
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Army officer sacked over “irresponsible statements” on the web
By Ronron
June 10, 2005
Army officer Col. Ricardo Morales was sacked from his post as commander of the 404th Infantry Brigade, based in Mindanao, for issuing “irresponsible statements” against a recreation project intended for the military and subsequently calling for a “coup” in protest of it.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu approved the relief of Morales after it was recommended by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga.
“Col. Morales published very critical article in the internet criticizing the policies and project of the (AFP)… As a responsible officer, he should have been aware that such message could reach the public, be misconstrued and subjected to a lot of misinterpretation,” Adan said.
In an e-mail message sent a few days ago to his fellow graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Morales lambasted the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay Island as he questioned the priorities of the higher-ups in the military in terms of addressing the needs of the ordinary soldiers.
“How can the 60-room resort in Boracay improve the AFP’s capability to fight? Who determined this priority? We have hospitals without medicine,” Morales, a member of the PMA class 1977, wrote.
“That the top leaders in the AFP, especially the Marine officer who commands two Army Divisions allowed this to happen shows their insensitivity to the needs and sufferings of the men in the field,” he added.
The project in Boracay was a brainchild of AFP Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio. In earlier interviews, Teodosio and other AFP officials emphasized the project is not an initiative of the military, but of a non-governmental organization.
“Enough of the leaders who talk about reforms but do not understand what they are saying. Enough of this organization stupidity… The time for talking is over. The time for action is now… The next coup will be peaceful and open,” Morales had said.
Adan said it was wrong for Morales to air his opinion, even if it is personal, in the internet because a website is a public domain.
Although it can not be interpreted as instigating rising up of arms against the AFP leadership, Abu, for his part, said it is still improper for Morales to talk about “coup,” whether he wanted it to be “peaceful and open” or not, because he is an officer.
Abu noted though that no sympathetic comments followed that statement of Morales in the e-group, which can be accessed by more than 600 PMA alumni and friends.
“As far as the Armed Forces is concerned, I don’t see it has any effect on our soldiers. If any, it could only be on people close to him, maybe his driver or security staff. I doubt if people like you will be encouraged by his statements,” Abu told reporters.
Adan said Morales was given the chance to explain his motives for doing so. Morales sent his explanation letter dated June 7 to Senga. However, his superiors did not find it satisfactory.
“Col. Morales was admonished by (Senga)… The AFP has established mechanisms for grievances, for getting feedback for policies by the leadership. Col. Morales did not avail of them,” said Adan.
“He is being relieved for his lack of good judgement and indiscretion as a senior officer who should set a good example to his officers and men,” added Adan.
The relief of Morales, Adan said, is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges against him in the military court. At the moment, the military is still checking what charges could be filed against Morales.
Adan said Morales will be given an assignment appropriate to his rank by the Philippine Army.
Following what happened to Morales, Abu, however, said it is not necessary to check or monitor other e-mail groups of active military members since any similar report can readily be received by him.
Besides, he expressed confidence that the Armed Forces is intact even amidst fresh talks of destabilization against the government.
“We are not monitoring any active member of the AFP now. It is not necessary because there is no threat from those in the active service… We are confident that in any destabilization plots, we are prepared to protect our countrymen and our government offices and our country. So we have nothing to worry about,” Abu said./DMS
June 10, 2005
Army officer Col. Ricardo Morales was sacked from his post as commander of the 404th Infantry Brigade, based in Mindanao, for issuing “irresponsible statements” against a recreation project intended for the military and subsequently calling for a “coup” in protest of it.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu approved the relief of Morales after it was recommended by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga.
“Col. Morales published very critical article in the internet criticizing the policies and project of the (AFP)… As a responsible officer, he should have been aware that such message could reach the public, be misconstrued and subjected to a lot of misinterpretation,” Adan said.
In an e-mail message sent a few days ago to his fellow graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Morales lambasted the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay Island as he questioned the priorities of the higher-ups in the military in terms of addressing the needs of the ordinary soldiers.
“How can the 60-room resort in Boracay improve the AFP’s capability to fight? Who determined this priority? We have hospitals without medicine,” Morales, a member of the PMA class 1977, wrote.
“That the top leaders in the AFP, especially the Marine officer who commands two Army Divisions allowed this to happen shows their insensitivity to the needs and sufferings of the men in the field,” he added.
The project in Boracay was a brainchild of AFP Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio. In earlier interviews, Teodosio and other AFP officials emphasized the project is not an initiative of the military, but of a non-governmental organization.
“Enough of the leaders who talk about reforms but do not understand what they are saying. Enough of this organization stupidity… The time for talking is over. The time for action is now… The next coup will be peaceful and open,” Morales had said.
Adan said it was wrong for Morales to air his opinion, even if it is personal, in the internet because a website is a public domain.
Although it can not be interpreted as instigating rising up of arms against the AFP leadership, Abu, for his part, said it is still improper for Morales to talk about “coup,” whether he wanted it to be “peaceful and open” or not, because he is an officer.
Abu noted though that no sympathetic comments followed that statement of Morales in the e-group, which can be accessed by more than 600 PMA alumni and friends.
“As far as the Armed Forces is concerned, I don’t see it has any effect on our soldiers. If any, it could only be on people close to him, maybe his driver or security staff. I doubt if people like you will be encouraged by his statements,” Abu told reporters.
Adan said Morales was given the chance to explain his motives for doing so. Morales sent his explanation letter dated June 7 to Senga. However, his superiors did not find it satisfactory.
“Col. Morales was admonished by (Senga)… The AFP has established mechanisms for grievances, for getting feedback for policies by the leadership. Col. Morales did not avail of them,” said Adan.
“He is being relieved for his lack of good judgement and indiscretion as a senior officer who should set a good example to his officers and men,” added Adan.
The relief of Morales, Adan said, is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges against him in the military court. At the moment, the military is still checking what charges could be filed against Morales.
Adan said Morales will be given an assignment appropriate to his rank by the Philippine Army.
Following what happened to Morales, Abu, however, said it is not necessary to check or monitor other e-mail groups of active military members since any similar report can readily be received by him.
Besides, he expressed confidence that the Armed Forces is intact even amidst fresh talks of destabilization against the government.
“We are not monitoring any active member of the AFP now. It is not necessary because there is no threat from those in the active service… We are confident that in any destabilization plots, we are prepared to protect our countrymen and our government offices and our country. So we have nothing to worry about,” Abu said./DMS
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Military intelligence chief stays
By Ronron
June 8, 2005
The top military intelligence officer stays in his post.
This is what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said on Wednesday amidst reports that Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) Chief Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is already relieved.
“I would like to make it clear that Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is still the chief (of the) ISAFP. It came out in the print this morning that he is already relieved. There is no truth to it,” Pascual told reporters yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo.
The military spokesman said the reports on Quevedo’s relief, which is suspected to have something to do with the release of a taped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Comelec official, may just be part of a series of disinformation being circulated to ride with the uncertainties of the times brought about by rumors of destabilization plots against the government.
“He is performing very well,” Pascual said of Quevedo.
When sought for comment, Quevedo only said he has not received any order yet for his relief./DMS
June 8, 2005
The top military intelligence officer stays in his post.
This is what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said on Wednesday amidst reports that Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) Chief Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is already relieved.
“I would like to make it clear that Brig. Gen. Marlowe Quevedo is still the chief (of the) ISAFP. It came out in the print this morning that he is already relieved. There is no truth to it,” Pascual told reporters yesterday at Camp Aguinaldo.
The military spokesman said the reports on Quevedo’s relief, which is suspected to have something to do with the release of a taped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Comelec official, may just be part of a series of disinformation being circulated to ride with the uncertainties of the times brought about by rumors of destabilization plots against the government.
“He is performing very well,” Pascual said of Quevedo.
When sought for comment, Quevedo only said he has not received any order yet for his relief./DMS
Military and police reaffirm support and loyalty to Arroyo
By Ronron
June 8, 2005
Different Philippine military units and the national police reaffirmed on Wednesday their support and loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amidst fresh destabilization plots hounding her administration which was fueled lately with the release of an alleged taped conversation that implies Arroyo’s manipulation of the 2004 Presidential elections to her favor.
The Philippine Army, Air Force, Navy and National Police issued separate statements yesterday to express their commitment to the duly constituted government under Arroyo and their firm belief that any destabilization plot will not prosper. (See separate story on the Philippine Army’s statement.)
“Your airmen and women stand squarely behind this legitimate government and prepared to defend it against those who would usurp the rule of law,” the PAF public information office said.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, for his part, said: “The navy assures the citizens that all its officers, sailors, marines and special operations personnel are prepared to thwart any attempt to bring down the government or any bid that will undermine the country’s democratic institutions.”
De Leon, an aspirant for the top post in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once incumbent Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu steps down later this month when he reaches the mandatory age for retirement, assured that the Philippine Navy “remains solidly behind the national leadership of the Commander-in-Chief and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”
“In these trying times, the Navy is more persistent to prove to the people that it remains true to its oath and that its men and women are more emboldened to take on their task of averting vicious attempts that only do more harm and damage to the State we have sworn to defend,” said De Leon.
The AFP leadership has earlier acknowledged reports that retired generals are sowing disinformation at the lower level so as to discourage them from supporting the government.
But officials are quick to say that these plots will not prosper since they are countering it with information and education campaigns.
“At these times of uncertainty and heightened emotions, we call on our people to be discerning and not be deceived by plots to destabilize our government. We call on everyone to unite for the good and progress of our nation rather than for its disintegration,” the PAF said.
Trusting on the goodness and loyalty of his men, PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao wooed all policemen that they continue to join hands in assuming their responsibilities for peace and development.
“Let us all continue to serve our Almighty Father, our country, and our countrymen under leadership of our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo… My request from you is that we continue to work faithfully, serve truthfully,” Lomibao said in Filipino.
The statements of support came a day after Arroyo hosted in Malacañang a dinner meeting with police and military officials who belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) classes of 1973 up to 1978./DMS
June 8, 2005
Different Philippine military units and the national police reaffirmed on Wednesday their support and loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amidst fresh destabilization plots hounding her administration which was fueled lately with the release of an alleged taped conversation that implies Arroyo’s manipulation of the 2004 Presidential elections to her favor.
The Philippine Army, Air Force, Navy and National Police issued separate statements yesterday to express their commitment to the duly constituted government under Arroyo and their firm belief that any destabilization plot will not prosper. (See separate story on the Philippine Army’s statement.)
“Your airmen and women stand squarely behind this legitimate government and prepared to defend it against those who would usurp the rule of law,” the PAF public information office said.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, for his part, said: “The navy assures the citizens that all its officers, sailors, marines and special operations personnel are prepared to thwart any attempt to bring down the government or any bid that will undermine the country’s democratic institutions.”
De Leon, an aspirant for the top post in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once incumbent Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu steps down later this month when he reaches the mandatory age for retirement, assured that the Philippine Navy “remains solidly behind the national leadership of the Commander-in-Chief and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”
“In these trying times, the Navy is more persistent to prove to the people that it remains true to its oath and that its men and women are more emboldened to take on their task of averting vicious attempts that only do more harm and damage to the State we have sworn to defend,” said De Leon.
The AFP leadership has earlier acknowledged reports that retired generals are sowing disinformation at the lower level so as to discourage them from supporting the government.
But officials are quick to say that these plots will not prosper since they are countering it with information and education campaigns.
“At these times of uncertainty and heightened emotions, we call on our people to be discerning and not be deceived by plots to destabilize our government. We call on everyone to unite for the good and progress of our nation rather than for its disintegration,” the PAF said.
Trusting on the goodness and loyalty of his men, PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao wooed all policemen that they continue to join hands in assuming their responsibilities for peace and development.
“Let us all continue to serve our Almighty Father, our country, and our countrymen under leadership of our President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo… My request from you is that we continue to work faithfully, serve truthfully,” Lomibao said in Filipino.
The statements of support came a day after Arroyo hosted in Malacañang a dinner meeting with police and military officials who belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) classes of 1973 up to 1978./DMS
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
AFP monitoring three retired military officials on alleged destabilization plots; recruitment within PNP also confirmed
By Ronron
June 7, 2005
The Philippine military identified three retired officers who allegedly have a role in the recent destabilization plots against the government based on their pronouncements to the public.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said military agents are already monitoring the activities of former Defense Secretary and Army chief Maj. Gen. Fortunato Abat, retired Commodore Ismael Aparri, and Brig. Gen. Angel Sadang.
"We’re cautious of their statements… Their activities are being monitoring," Pascual told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
Abat is one of the leaders of the Federation of Retired Commissioned and Enlisted Soldiers (FORCES) and one of the convenors of the Coalition for National Salvation, a group launched in April that seeks for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aparri is the spokesman of the Young Enlisted Soldiers with Active and Retired Military for Solidarity (YES-ARMS), while Sadang heads the Generals for Constitution.
Aparri and Sadang’s organizations are also critical of the Arroyo government.
"Their statement is a cause for concern for the Armed Forces because they are telling our soldiers to break the chain of command," Pascual said of the three, who are allegedly exploiting current issues within the military, such as the reported extravagant repair of the sidewalks inside Camp Aguinaldo and the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay.
The AFP leadership had already explained that the cost of the sidewalks repair is only P5 million, and not P19 million as initially reported, and that the military resort house in the famous Boracay Island is an initiative of a non-governmental organization, and not of the AFP.
In a brief phone interview, Abat denied the allegation against him, and pointed instead to the government as the one responsible for its destabilized state now.
When asked if his and his group’s call for Arroyo to step down could be read as a form of destabilizing the government, Abat replied: "We are calling for her ouster because she is destabilizing the government through malgovernance."
Aparri, in a separate interview, also belied the destabilizer tag imposed upon him by Pascual.
"I am the one being recruited by the agitated soldiers to speak for them. They (soldiers) are the ones asking me to speak for them because they are voiceless. I’ve never recruited anyone," Aparri told reporters at his office at the Association of Generals and Flag Officers inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Aparri expressed disappointment over the fact that "in this country, when you speak against the government, you are a destabilizer."
"Is it wrong to speak for the unattended?… They can call me anything but we are not destabilizing the government," Aparri said.
He disclosed that soldiers are particularly concerned on the failure of the government to settle the P36 billion unpaid pension differentials to war veterans, and the issues of the military resort house in Boracay, the repair of the pavement in Camp Aguinaldo, the lack of equipment and facilities for soldiers in the field, and many others.
"What is his (Pascual) basis for calling me a destabilizer? Just because we are speaking for the soldiers who are voiceless? If that makes me a destabilizer, then I accept it. We are reformist, nationalist who take care of the veterans and the soldiers. We have not much to advertise for ourselves," Aparri said.
Pascual issued a warning to the three that the military has a very active internal counter-intelligence capability that could monitor very well their activities.
The recruitment activities conducted by some sectors outside the military service was already admitted by the AFP in earlier pronouncements.
But, according to Pascual, the plot is still in its initial stage since it is only limited to mind-setting or mental planning activities.
He said the AFP is countering these moves by informing and educating well their troops about the real score on certain issues, thereby discouraging the soldiers from joining possible military adventurism.
"We have a very stable command structure. The chain of command is intact," Pascual described the AFP at the moment in light of the alleged destabilization plots.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday that recruitment within the police ranks is also on going in support for the alleged destabilization plot against the government.
However, Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil refused to identify the recruiting party.
"The seat of government power is besieged anew by a malicious effort to throw it off balance by way of a seemingly elaborate and grand design at destabilization," PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said in a separate statement issued yesterday.
Quoting "highly reliable intelligence reports," Lomibao said the "latest uncovered attempt at destabilization could be part of a larger scenario that was preceded by an earlier series of deliberate disinformation efforts, and possibly including some sensationalized scandals, unfounded rumors and other manipulative means of spreading false information."
The PNP chief said key police officials met over the weekend to assess the recent developments.
But amidst the destabilization rumors, Lomibao assured that the PNP will stand "squarely behind the rule of law and will stay focused" on its "mission to protect and serve the people."
"The (PNP) under my leadership will insure that any further step at destabilization that borders on the illegal and with willful criminal intent shall be addressed accordingly by uncompromising police action consistent with existing laws," Lomibao said.
He stressed that the PNP will not be swayed by any motive and will remain faithful to the Constitution and to its sworn duty./DMS
June 7, 2005
The Philippine military identified three retired officers who allegedly have a role in the recent destabilization plots against the government based on their pronouncements to the public.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said military agents are already monitoring the activities of former Defense Secretary and Army chief Maj. Gen. Fortunato Abat, retired Commodore Ismael Aparri, and Brig. Gen. Angel Sadang.
"We’re cautious of their statements… Their activities are being monitoring," Pascual told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
Abat is one of the leaders of the Federation of Retired Commissioned and Enlisted Soldiers (FORCES) and one of the convenors of the Coalition for National Salvation, a group launched in April that seeks for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aparri is the spokesman of the Young Enlisted Soldiers with Active and Retired Military for Solidarity (YES-ARMS), while Sadang heads the Generals for Constitution.
Aparri and Sadang’s organizations are also critical of the Arroyo government.
"Their statement is a cause for concern for the Armed Forces because they are telling our soldiers to break the chain of command," Pascual said of the three, who are allegedly exploiting current issues within the military, such as the reported extravagant repair of the sidewalks inside Camp Aguinaldo and the construction of a resort house for the military in Boracay.
The AFP leadership had already explained that the cost of the sidewalks repair is only P5 million, and not P19 million as initially reported, and that the military resort house in the famous Boracay Island is an initiative of a non-governmental organization, and not of the AFP.
In a brief phone interview, Abat denied the allegation against him, and pointed instead to the government as the one responsible for its destabilized state now.
When asked if his and his group’s call for Arroyo to step down could be read as a form of destabilizing the government, Abat replied: "We are calling for her ouster because she is destabilizing the government through malgovernance."
Aparri, in a separate interview, also belied the destabilizer tag imposed upon him by Pascual.
"I am the one being recruited by the agitated soldiers to speak for them. They (soldiers) are the ones asking me to speak for them because they are voiceless. I’ve never recruited anyone," Aparri told reporters at his office at the Association of Generals and Flag Officers inside Camp Aguinaldo.
Aparri expressed disappointment over the fact that "in this country, when you speak against the government, you are a destabilizer."
"Is it wrong to speak for the unattended?… They can call me anything but we are not destabilizing the government," Aparri said.
He disclosed that soldiers are particularly concerned on the failure of the government to settle the P36 billion unpaid pension differentials to war veterans, and the issues of the military resort house in Boracay, the repair of the pavement in Camp Aguinaldo, the lack of equipment and facilities for soldiers in the field, and many others.
"What is his (Pascual) basis for calling me a destabilizer? Just because we are speaking for the soldiers who are voiceless? If that makes me a destabilizer, then I accept it. We are reformist, nationalist who take care of the veterans and the soldiers. We have not much to advertise for ourselves," Aparri said.
Pascual issued a warning to the three that the military has a very active internal counter-intelligence capability that could monitor very well their activities.
The recruitment activities conducted by some sectors outside the military service was already admitted by the AFP in earlier pronouncements.
But, according to Pascual, the plot is still in its initial stage since it is only limited to mind-setting or mental planning activities.
He said the AFP is countering these moves by informing and educating well their troops about the real score on certain issues, thereby discouraging the soldiers from joining possible military adventurism.
"We have a very stable command structure. The chain of command is intact," Pascual described the AFP at the moment in light of the alleged destabilization plots.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday that recruitment within the police ranks is also on going in support for the alleged destabilization plot against the government.
However, Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil refused to identify the recruiting party.
"The seat of government power is besieged anew by a malicious effort to throw it off balance by way of a seemingly elaborate and grand design at destabilization," PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said in a separate statement issued yesterday.
Quoting "highly reliable intelligence reports," Lomibao said the "latest uncovered attempt at destabilization could be part of a larger scenario that was preceded by an earlier series of deliberate disinformation efforts, and possibly including some sensationalized scandals, unfounded rumors and other manipulative means of spreading false information."
The PNP chief said key police officials met over the weekend to assess the recent developments.
But amidst the destabilization rumors, Lomibao assured that the PNP will stand "squarely behind the rule of law and will stay focused" on its "mission to protect and serve the people."
"The (PNP) under my leadership will insure that any further step at destabilization that borders on the illegal and with willful criminal intent shall be addressed accordingly by uncompromising police action consistent with existing laws," Lomibao said.
He stressed that the PNP will not be swayed by any motive and will remain faithful to the Constitution and to its sworn duty./DMS
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