Faeldon dares Esperon, Razon to spill the beans on alleged irregularities in Arroyo government

By Ronron
February 29, 2008

Fugitive Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon challenged Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. to disclose their knowledge about the alleged irregularities in the Arroyo government.

In a handwritten statement distributed Friday to Defense reporters by his lawyer, Trixie Angeles, Faeldon said in Filipino that the two should stop stressing that the chain of commands rests solely on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"I challenge the both of you: If you are really professionals and are not partisan, go face the Senate, which represents the people, and reveal the irregularities that you know in government," Faeldon wrote.

"I challenge Gen. Esperon and Mr. Razon: If it is true that you don't want the military and police to be mocked by politicians, stop being used by Arroyo. Arroyo is not the government," he added.

Faeldon reminded the two officials that those attacking Arroyo are not enemies of the people, but of those stealing from the coffers of the government.

He particularly told Esperon that there is still time for him to start again serving the country from the core of his heart.

This as the military chief, according to Faeldon, remains no longer credible because of his alleged participation in the alleged 2004 electoral fraud.

Faeldon said Esperon and Razon should help shed light on the Hello Garci scandal, the ZTE scandal and other anomalies that they allegedly help in covering up.

"You should not order the soldiers to spy on and threaten those fighting against Arroyo. The police must not also be used to disperse those who are rallying for the truth," he said.

As he did in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and on the November 29, 2007 takeover at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Faeldon reiterated that Arroyo, whom he addressed as a fake President, must step down or otherwise, be removed through peaceful means.

He also assured the public that the soldiers will follow the will of the civilians, thus they should not lose hope that many soldiers will serve the country.

"We will defend you and our democracy," he said.

Faeldon has gone on hiding since the November 29 incident last year and authorities have already put up a P1 million reward for his re-arrest.

He had also escaped in December 2005, but was recaptured in Caloocan City in January of the following year./DMS