Stop inflaming public, Estrada told

Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) called on former President Joseph Estrada to stop issuing statements that could incite his supporters to stage another power grab.

Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay, PNP chief for administration, said Estrada should instead focus on preparing himself for next year’s elections and seek another mandate.

"Huwag na sanang magkaroon ng ganyang insinuations para hindi na magulo ang ating bansa (I hope those insinuations would stop so that we can avert violence in our country)," Aglipay said.

He urged Estrada and his allies to follow legal procedures and submit to the electoral process.

He also said all police security units, including the PNP Intelligence Group, have been tasked to assess all information concerning national security issues.

"(On) all information and activities related to security of the country, these are the (police) groups designated to monitor them," Aglipay said.

PNP Intelligence Group director Chief Superintendent Jesus Versosa confirmed "all security reports" are being monitored.

For his part, Chief Superintendent Rowland Albano, deputy director for administration of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said all security forces have been alerted in view of Estrada’s statements.

Presidential adviser on ecclesiastical and media affairs Conrado Limcaoco also challenged Estrada to run in next year’s presidential elections instead of issuing statements.

"I believe there is nothing more worse if he (Estrada) wants to sow instability in our country because elections are nearing. If he wants to get back his crown, if he would be allowed by law, it would be better if he run in 2004," Limcaoco said.

Estrada earlier appealed to the people to help him reclaim the presidency that was "stolen" from him with the collusion of the Supreme Court.

Emphasizing that he never signed a resignation letter, Estrada insisted that he was still president and claimed he was forced out of office illegally.