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Saturday, February 25, 2006
Military officers nix plot against Malacañang
By Ben O. Tesiorna, Barbara Carla R. Quiero
DAVAO CITY -- Two high-ranking military officers reiterated their allegiance to the Constitution and appeared unfazed by the goings on in Metro Manila that prompted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to declare a state of national emergency.
Dabawenyo leaders, however, are split on the declaration of the State of National Emergency. Some see it as a necessary move, others say the present situation doesn't merit such.
Task Force Davao chief Eduardo del Rosario said his unit "remains focused on their job" and that they will always follow the chain of command in these trying times.
Colonel Jerry Jalandoni of the Army's 604th Infantry Brigade based in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces said "the full force of the 604th Brigade, with the 7th Infantry Battalion, 64th IB, and 75th IB, is standing by on its Constitutional mandate and will always toe the line along with the chain of command of the military."
"So far, the area remains very peaceful and ready to strike down any forces that will sow terror and chaos in our area of responsibility," Jalandoni said.
The declaration of the state of national emergency was condemned by militant groups.
"GMA's declaration of a state of emergency is a sign of desperation and paranoia of her collapsing regime. An illegitimate president such as GMA can only rule by wielding fascism just to remain in power. We will not be cowed even if Malacañang has declared the state of emergency, we will push through with our protests," Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) spokesman Jeppie Ramada said, as the President's declaration also disallowed the holding of protest actions in Metro Manila.
"GMA unleashed a Marcosian fascist character. State of emergency is different in name, similar in essence -- a direct attack on our civil and pol rights. This declaration will eventually suppress the rights of the people to freely express their opinion, peacefully assemble, and redress grievances against the government," Bayan secretary general Ariel Casilao said.
He added, "If GMA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the coup is under control why then the need to implement such state of emergency?"
He then echoed Ramada's branding of the Arroyo administration as being paranoid and desperate and said they will continue their protests to push for Arroyo's ouster.
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Joel Virador chided Arroyo for being afraid of the "crisis she has created."
"She has to be repressive just to hold on to power. Thus, she declared the state of emergency," Virador said. "(But) She cannot prevent people from exercising their constitutional rights."
Councilor Peter T. Laviña describes the declaration as a "knee-jerk reaction" and a confused action.
"Just very recently, the Palace claimed to foil coup attempts. Now just (because people are) marking the anniversary of People Power 1 she has to use an iron fist, the state of national emergency), to quell freedom and civil liberties," he said.
"The people should oppose this draconian move. Ironically, GMA got to power through people power."
Councilor Diosdado A. Mahipus believes the declaration was to stave off a serious attempt to overthrow the government -- an exercise of self-preservation.
But, he said, this does not necessarily sit well with him.
"But personally I'm worried because the civilians are at the losing end. It will result in curtailment of civil rights and the unwarranted apprehension of suspects, worst the gagging of the press. Let's pray to God for the enlightenment of our leaders," he said.
Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang's view runs counter to his two colleagues.
"I am for the state of emergency of GMA because personal interest and adventurism of some small sectors should be set aside over and above public interest. If this (destabilization moves) will continue, public will suffer. They should realize that we should bend down sometimes to look into public interest," Dayanghirang said.
Davao del Norte Vice Governor Anthony del Rosario would rather not jump into the fear bandwagon and prefers to focus on the tasks at hand.
"Peaceful ang province, so far," he said and they are working to make this remain so.
"GMA's state of emergency is within the power of the president. It is her duty to ensure that the welfare of the general public is protected," he added.
In the national scene, two very vocal anti-Arroyo leaders are questioning Arroyo's move.
"A state of emergency does not automatically give the President special powers like warrantless arrests. The government has to explain why Gen Lim was arrested, is he staging a coup d'etat?" Senator Rodolfo Biazon said.
"Sana pabayaan na lang tao dahil hindi naman tyo gumagamit ng dahas. Di dapat kalimutan ang sakripisyo ng Edsa People Power 1. Ibigay natin ang ating makakaya upang hindi na mawala ang demokrasya. I reiterate the call for President Gloria Arroyo to make the supreme sacrifice of resigning," said former President Corazon C. Aquino, who was installed in power because of Edsa 1. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(February 25, 2006 issue)
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