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Saturday, February 18, 2006
Metro Manila police on alert v. coup, protests
MANILA -- National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Vidal Querol said Friday he has placed the entire Metro Manila police force on heightened alert status following reports of another coup plot and massive protest rallies.
Director Querol said he ordered the five police district directors and city and town police chiefs in Metro Manila to intensify police patrols and conduct checkpoints in their respective areas. "I directed our policemen to monitor well and be ready for any contingency," he said.
He said although there are many policemen from Metro Manila who would attend the alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City on Saturday, he would make sure that enough number of policemen are deployed to various streets to secure the metropolis.
Aside from the alleged coup, Querol said they had to raise the alert status in Metro Manila also because crime rate has been increasing. He added that they have increased the number of policemen in the field to prevent lawless elements from carrying out their activities.
A media report earlier quoted two generals as saying that "disgruntled" soldiers are planning to stage a coup and remove President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from office during Saturday's alumni homecoming of the PMA. Part of the plan is to hold hostage some officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who would attend the event and seize several military camps.
The two generals also revealed the alleged recruitment of junior officers and enlisted personnel who would carry out the plot. They identified two politicians, one with a military background, and retired military officers as those behind the plan.
Colonel Tristan Kison, spokesperson for the military, said they have monitored that some soldiers are being hired for the destabilization effort. He said two retired soldiers, whom he refused to identify, have been visiting military camps and talking to the young officers about the plot.
Kison, however, said the military is taking all measures to thwart the plan. He said additional soldiers would be deployed to the PMA compound on Saturday to secure the area. (JFF/Sunnex)
(February 18, 2006 issue)
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