Friday, November 30, 2007 No troop movement in Mindanao: military By Carlo P. Mallo, Grace L. Plata, and Ben O. Tesiorna
AMID the ruckus in the nation's capital after Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier General Danilo Lim walked out of their coup hearing Thursday and called for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, military officials in Davao City immediately assured firm loyalty to the chain of command.
"There is nothing to worry about here in the area of responsibility of the Eastern Mindanao Command," Lieutenant General Cardozo Luna, Eastmincom chief, said in an interview Thursday afternoon. "What happened is only in Manila," Luna added.
He said no unauthorized troop movement within his jurisdiction has so far been reported.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed unconditional loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amid Thursday's failed coup attempt.
"Yes, Ma'am, you have my support," Duterte answered the president when she called him Thursday afternoon.
Duterte said the president sounded relaxed despite the circumstances.
"Sanay na siya (She's used to it)," Duterte jokingly added.
Duterte said he respects the sentiments of Trillanes but does not agree with the senator's methods.
"If they are calling for the resignation of the president, mas maganda mag-resign na kaming lahat (it would be better that all of us resign). Give it to the next generation," Duterte said, but quickly added the best thing to do is let the President finish her term.
"Don't count in years but months. 30 months is just around the corner. Malapit na yan (It’s close). Let's just wait for 2010," Duterte said.
Luna, meanwhile, said "soldiers led by professional and responsible corps of officers are preoccupied with their mandated tasks in internal security operations."
"The incident in Makati will not affect our operational tempo because our troops are well aware of the situation and current situation. We have learned so many lessons in the past," Luna said.
Colonel Benito de Leon, chief of staff of the 10th Infantry Division, said it is unfortunate that the "noisy minority is destroying the reputation of the sincere, professional, and loyal service of the majority of the soldiers," apparently referring to Oakwood mutineers who walked put of their court hearing in Makati City Thursday afternoon.
"As a professional soldier, I stand by my sworn duty -- essential is loyalty to the duly constituted authority flowing through the AFP chain of command," de Leon said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao.
De Leon said the 10th Infantry Division, led by its officers, remains loyal to the chain of command. "Majority of the soldiers are just silently performing their duties," de Leon added.
"Our ground forces are aware of what is happening, but they are not affected," de Leon said.
De Leon added that the 10th Infantry Division continues to perform its duties, especially in providing peace and stability in the Davao provinces.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Stock Exchange was immediately affected by the incident. Secretary of Trade Peter Favila said in a Malacanang press conference that it was but a knee jerk reaction of the market to the incident.
But Favila remains steadfast that the market will not be adversely affected by the incident.
"The market was able to improve before it closed," Favila added.
Also, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said there is a growing public clamor to put an end to the incident. "We are hopeful that it will end peacefully," Dureza said.
Dureza, however, added that full force of the law should be enforced.
Military and police officials gathered Thursday at the Grand Men Seng for the regional peace and order council year-end meeting also expressed support for the president.
Eastern Mindanao Commanding General Cardozo Luna said he remains loyal to the chain of command and the President. This stand was mirrored by Regional Police Office-Southern Mindanao Chief Andres Caro II.
Caro said the region was placed under red alert with the turn of events to ensure that lawless elements do not take advantage of the crisis.
Duterte, on the other hand, appealed for sobriety. He asked Dabawenyos to remain calm and let the events unfold in the capital adding that everything remains as usual.
