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Monday, March 13, 2006
Arroyo says group still plots to bring down gov't
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo acknowledged Sunday that threats to her government remained, and ordered the military and police to identify, make public, and anticipate all remaining threats to her administration.
Despite foiling a coup plot a few weeks earlier, Arroyo said she is aware that destabilization efforts against her administration continue. She assured the public, however, that the government is keeping a watchful eye on the enemies of the state.
"We are fully aware that some groups have not ceased in their attempts to undermine our democratic way of life. We have the watchful eye, the will, and the resources to counter their moves," she said.
Arroyo placed the country under a weeklong state of emergency on February 24 after her key aides said loyal government forces derailed a plot to force her from power.
She said Sunday that normalcy had returned but called for unceasing vigilance.
Arroyo did not give details but ordered the police and military "to expose all residual and anticipated threats of destabilization."
"We shall continue to sternly enforce the rule of law in the streets while protecting human rights, and informing the people of threats to their peace, welfare, and well being. We are one step ahead of the enemies of the state. Community vigilance will enable us to focus on the economy to generate investments and jobs that will break the cycle of poverty," she added.
The government said the coup plot involved the possible assassination of the President and a Cabinet member and the takeover of the presidential palace, military and police camps, key government offices, and TV networks.
During the emergency period, police arrested a number of known critics, banned public rallies, raided the office of a small opposition newspaper, deployed troops outside two major TV networks, and threatened to impose reporting standards on journalists, setting off accusations that Arroyo was muzzling legitimate dissent and the press to reign in criticisms.
Police have filed rebellion charges against 16 people, including left-wing lawmakers, military officers, a former senator and a communist rebel leader suspected of plotting to overthrow Arroyo.
Government prosecutors said preliminary investigations against the five legislators will start Monday in the House of Representatives instead of at the Department of Justice out of respect for the lawmakers.
Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco, who heads the DOJ Task Force On Rebellion, said the move is intended to "spare the congressmen the trouble of traveling to DOJ," which he said would entail strict security arrangements.
On the part of the military, Army chief Major General Hermogenes Esperon said an initial investigation focused on the elite, 2,300-strong Scout Rangers force, with nine officers and 26 enlisted men questioned. An investigation report will be submitted to the Inspector General in the next few days to determine who can be charged before a military tribunal.
A second wave of investigation has begun, focusing on other army units, he said.
"As a precautionary measure, I would like to look into the other units although I have been assured by their commanders that their men were not involved," Esperon said.
After lifting of the state of emergency, government came out with the documentary "Paglaban sa Kataksilan: 1017" to inform and explain to the public what prompted the President to make the decision.
The documentary had been televised in government stations, while copies of it is also being given away upon request. The documentary can also be accessed at the government website "www.gov.ph".
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, who is also Arroyo's spokesman, said they also recently posted the documentary in the website of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) to ensure wider and easier access. He said there had been an increase in number of visitors in the government website since it was uploaded.
Another Arroyo aide, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said government is prepared for any destabilization effort that may be launched alongside protest actions on May 1 to mark the commemoration of Labor Day. (JMR/AP/Sunnex)
(March 13, 2006 issue)
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