Army chief to take “drastic action” against would-be destabilizers from military ranks

By Ronron
August 28, 2007

Newly-installed Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano said Tuesday that he will deal drastically with Army troopers who will take part in anti-government efforts, which is rumored to be taking place these days as the verdict of the Estrada plunder case nears promulgation.

“There are regulations and there are actions, drastic actions that we can take. These are violations and we know that there are negotiations there. That is a non-negotiable issue if they are violating rules and regulations,” Yano said in a phone interview with Defense reporters.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro had said Tuesday that there are destabilization reports but he denied that soldiers have been recruited.

Yano expressed confidence that no soldiers will join any destabilization moves against the current administration, saying “our officers are professional enough.”

“They know what they are fighting for. They know their sworn duty, and they have an immediate concern, that is the fight against insurgency and other threats, and I don’t think that they will be distracted from that main mission,” he said.

“I’m confident that they will understand and they will not follow any efforts from different groups who want to cause disorder,” he added.

If they will take part, Yano said the troops will be dealt with under the military justice system.

The military has been used in past mass demonstrations that have caused the ouster of existing leaders, both in 1986 and in 2001./DMS