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Friday, December 16, 2005
Task force junior officer: Military unrest real
By Joy G. Romares
DAVAO CITY -- A junior officer whose name allegedly appeared in the intelligence division's list of mutiny plotters said problems beset the military and it is not surprising that some members are agitating for a revolt.
Army Captain Sandy David said he knows of such unrest and is himself even vocal in criticizing the military organization's weaknesses.
However, he said he was not among those plotting just recently to overthrow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's government.
"I have no active participation. The only reason my name is on the list of mutineers is because I am very vocal about the problems existing in the AFP," David said.
David is currently detailed with Task Force Davao.
His statement about problems faced by the military being all too real comes in the heels of news that operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Thursday morning former defense secretary Fortunato Abat, former Ambassador Roy Señeres, and former budget secretary Salvador Enriquez in Manila on accusation they were hatching a plot to topple the Arroyo government.
David said he cannot blame other soldiers who actively participated in the mutiny movement. He believes they are just trying to make their sentiments heard.
"Personally, I admit that I have frustrations with the service but I know the AFP is doing something to fix the problem, and that for me is enough because I know they're doing what they can. I am just concerned about the troops--they suffer during war times because their basic combat equipment never gets to them on time," David explained.
He added his belief that something is being done about the problems may not be shared by all, as there are those who want immediate reforms because they believe these would only be achieved through a mutiny.
Interviewed over television on his way to Camp Crame, retired General Abat said he and other members of his group were invited to police headquarters for questioning.
Police spokesman Leopoldo Bataoil, however, said Abat and his group were arrested based on evidence gathered by police operatives in their investigation.
Bataoil said no warrant is needed for Abat's arrest since the alleged crime committed by the retired general is ongoing.
Abat declared Wednesday a revolutionary transition government that allegedly seeks to oust President Arroyo.
Early Thursday, Abat called on the military and political leaders of the country to support his transition government.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, in a separate interview over ABS-CBN news, said he is sending a team of prosecutors to Camp Crame to immediately place Abat in inquest proceedings.
In the inquest Abat will be formally charged with either inciting to sedition or illegal assembly, Gonzales said. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(December 16, 2005 issue)
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