LINGAYEN -- “Never again!”

This was how Police Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIP0)-Northern Luzon Chief Leopoldo Bataoil reacted on the rumored “Oplan August Moon” coup plot.

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He also defended Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jesus Verzosa and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Victor Ibrado, both members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1976 where he is the president.

“Verzosa and Ibrado are doing excellent jobs and they have the trust and confidence of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro,” Bataoil said in a text message.

“Their service records and professionalism are held up high with respect by the senior officer corps and the rank and file, active and retired. No adventurous and self-proclaimed officer can erode that fact,” he added.

Bataoil further said that any attempt to destroy their reputations and capability to lead will not flourish and not allow the gains of their transformation programs to be junked. He added Filipinos would not allow unlawful change of leadership.

“I can say with confidence that the PNP and the AFP are solid and stable with General Jesus Verzosa and General Victor Ibrado at the helm,” said the chief of the Police Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (Dipo)-Northern Luzon.

Allegedly, “Oplan August Moon” aims to put keep President Gloria Arroyo beyond her 2010 term of office. That to achieve this, Verzosa and Ibrado will allegedly be kicked out of their respective posts and will be replaced by members of PMA Class 78, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Roberto Rosales and Philippine Army Chief Delfin Bangit, respectively.

Arroyo is an honorary member of PMA Class '78. Secretary Teodoro, on the other hand, is an honorary member of PMA Class '76.

Verzosa will have the opportunity to serve as PNP chief the longest as he will retire from the police service on December 25, 2010. He assumed the post on September 27, 2008.

Ibrado will retire on March 10, 2010.