‘Honasan recruiting for another coup’

Less than a month after the failed July 27 mutiny, adventurists are again recruiting soldiers and policemen for another coup try, Philippine National Police (PNP) Civil Security Group director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya claimed yesterday.

Berroya claimed Sen. Gregorio Honasan, who has been in hiding since the July 27 mutiny was quelled, has been stirring police and military officers for another coup try. "Systematic yan eh (That’s systematic)," Berroya said. "Iyong pagbanat (the exposé) of (Senator) Panfilo (Lacson). He is hoping to draw more people to go against the government."

He charged that Lacson’s privilege speech accusing First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of money laundering was "part of the political component of the July 27 mutiny at the Oakwood Premier Ayala Center in Makati City."

Berroya claimed Lacson attended around the first week of June a planning session for a special operation which was also attended by Honasan. Lacson dismissed the accusation and said Berroya was a "congenital liar."

Berroya said he learned about the supposed destabilization plan after a number of police officers in the Visayas and Mindanao reported that they were offered P50,000 each for a possible operation against the government. Berroya, however, refused to name the supposed recruiters and simply referred to them being identified with Honasan.

The military’s second in command, vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, however said the mutineers forces have been greatly diminished. — With Mike Frialde