Teodoro lashes at destabilization talk

CEBU, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro yesterday branded as irresponsible the exchange of accusations in the wake of moves to destabilize the government.

 “This exchange of accusations will lead to nowhere. We must not create a situation where the country’s democratic gains will be adversely affected and put to waste,” Sec. Teodoro said. “Is anyone after media mileage? Is anyone trying to create a state of confusion or fear? Is anyone setting this up for anything?”

“These are questions that are being entertained. I ask our countrymen to not allow anyone to confuse us, create fear in our hearts or make us angry. This is definitely not the kind of publicity the country needs today,” he said.

Teodoro also lashed out at the people who played up in media the “Operation August Moon” or the plot to perpetuate President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power.

“These are just allegations from sources that cannot be revealed. A convenient way for publicity-hungry individuals and publicists to spin their stories,” Sec. Teodoro said. “The public must discern from what is true and hogwash and realize that there are individuals who will use scare tactics just to get publicity.”

He also said that if there is truth to these destabilization plots, he would do everything to block these efforts.

“I abhor and condemn such acts of destabilization whoever is causing these and ask our countrymen to remain objective and calm yet vigilant at all times,” Sec. Teodoro said.

A bomb exploded at the Office of the Ombudsman last Sunday while improvised bombs were discovered at One Burgundy Plaza along Katipunan Avenue and at the Department of Agriculture compound in Quezon City last Monday.

“Oplan August Moon,” which was revealed by an unnamed source recently, was seen by observers as a move to sow intrigue among military officials and personnel. — PR (THE FREEMAN)