THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday disputed allegations by a former military intelligence agent that the AFP was likely behind last Sunday’s explosion at the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City.

Army Technical Sergeant Vidal Doble, who was associated with the Intelligence Service of the AFP (Isafp), also alleged the military was behind the planting of two unexploded C4 explosives at the Department of Agriculture (DA) central office and at the One Burgundy Plaza building, both in Quezon City, last Monday.

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Doble said intelligence personnel used to do similar activities in the past and it is very likely the military is again doing the recent activities upon the orders of the government to project chaos that will pave the way for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

“It’s the government that’s behind the bombings,” he said.

Military public affairs officer Romeo Brawner said Doble’s allegations were without basis. “The AFP will not plant bombs just to project an image of chaos in our country,” he said.

He said military lawyers are studying whether or not to file charges against Doble for his remarks.

AFP Chief Victor Ibrado has denied that the military was behind the planting of the bombs. While C4 is a military ware, these are available to non-military personnel who are determined to acquire such explosives.

“We want to convey to the public that this (planting of the bombs) is not our policy and our duty is to protect the Filipino people,” said Brawner.

On the spread of the bogus “Operation Plan: August Moon,” Brawner said the military already has some ideas as to the people involved. However, the official did not name names.

Oplan August Moon supposedly calls for the relief of Ibrado as AFP chief in October and for him to be succeeded by Army Chief Delfin Bangit, who is perceived to be a loyal general of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Also, the Oplan indicated the appointment of Bangit as AFP chief will subsequently lead to the extension of President Arroyo’s term beyond 2010. Bangit belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978 that has adopted the President as an honorary member.

Brawner continued to dispel the authenticity of the so-called Oplan.

“We have already identified some groups who may be responsible for this (spread of the so-called report) and we are monitoring them,” he said. (VR/Sunnex)