Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Mutineer bares 'last attempt to grab power'
MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday released the sequel of its coup documentary entitled "Sabwatan sa Kataksilan," showing a repentant rebel Army Captain Gerardo Gambala and a government warning that opponents are still recruiting for "a last attempt to grab power" on May 1.
The documentary, which runs for 15 minutes and 29.18 seconds, was produced by Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), and is the sequel to "Paglaban sa Kataksilan: 1017", which was shown last March 3 in Malacañang and detailed the alleged leftist-rightist conspiracy against the Arroyo government.
It will be shown in government channels National Broadcasting Network (NBN) 4, RPN 9, and IBC 13.
Prior to the film showing, bags of Holy Kettle Corn, an expensive popcorn brand sold only in malls, were distributed to media persons. The cans of soft drinks came after the clip was shown.
Military chief of staff General Generoso Senga said in the video documentary that government troops were united and ready to crush any threat to democracy. Other officials urged soldiers not to join any call to rise against Arroyo.
"Our intelligence community has learned of plans by a group to gather about 500,000 people on May 1. This will only disrupt again the peace that we're enjoying now," navy chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga said in the video, which would also be shown on state-run television networks.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the documentary would also be made available in DVD and CD form for those who are interested.
Among those present during the film showing were Mayuga, Army Support Command chief Ricardo Brillantes, and Directorate for Police Community Relations chief Emmanuel Carta.
The documentary started with Gambala, one of those linked to the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, saying he was among those approached to talk about building alliances with the communist group "in the effort to seize power."
At the end of the video, Gambala appeals to soldiers not to follow his example. "I've been there," Gambala said. "I don't want you to go through what I've been through because I know it's wrong."
The video showed the leftist-rightist alliance started after the Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 and was finalized in early 2004 after meetings in several hotels in the cities of Quezon and Makati.
In the documentary, government warned that opponents are still recruiting supporters for a last-ditch attempt to grab power on May 1. It cited the existence of "Oplan 4G," which was mentioned in the documents confiscated from a member of "Para sa Bayan" (PSB), a group of soldiers from the AFP elite forces and retired military officers who were linked to the failed coups under the Aquino administration.
Under Oplan 4G, a revolt similar to Edsa 1 will be staged. It will be held simultaneously with a military uprising just like the bloody 1989 coup. The plot allegedly involves taking over progressive areas in the provinces, such as provincial capitols in Mindanao, and moving towards the center of power.
If the plotters fail on February 24, they plan to bring down President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by the end of March through protests by up to 100,000 rallyists. If the March 31 target is not met, the plan will continue up to May 1.
The plot allegedly involves the PSB issuing three proclamations if they prove successful:
* First, the declaration of a state of emergency due to violations of the rule of law and loss of confidence in public institutions. The results of the May 2004 elections would be nullified and work in Congress would be suspended;
* Second, the implementation of a new Constitution; and
* Third, the setting up of a transition government. However, the plotters have allegedly not yet decided on whom to install as leader.
According to the documentary, government will continue to guard against plotters while pushing for programs that would alleviate the condition of the people, including the soldiers.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Generoso Senga assured that the military is united, strong, and will continue to defend the people against the enemies of democracy.
Senga said: "We have to accept that we do have prodigal sons and daughters within our ranks and they are the prodigal sons and daughters whom the Armed Forces hierarchy is trying to win back to the fold of the law."
The documentary ended with Arroyo's warning during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation rites that she will "not tolerate any diversion from the path we are on." (JMR/Sunnex)
(April 11, 2006 issue)
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