Incoming AFP chief vows to crush destabilization plots

Incoming Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Generoso Senga yesterday vowed to crush any attempt to overthrow the Arroyo administration.

Senga said his priority is to ensure the loyalty of the 120,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Constitution and duly constituted authorities.

Rest assured, Senga said, "military adventurists" will not have any opportunity to take part in destabilization activities.

"We will strengthen the chain of command. We will abide by the chain of command to protect the seat of the government," said the 54-year-old Army officer, who is presently the commanding general of the 75,000-strong Philippine Army.

Senga, who will assume his new post on Aug. 15, replaces AFP chief Gen. Efren Abu, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 for military officers last June 24.

President Arroyo extended Abu’s term until Aug. 15 in view of reported new plans by some sectors to destabilize the government.

In the wake of jueteng allegations against Mrs. Arroyo’s family members, and the "Gloriagate" wiretapped tape controversy that raised charges the President committed poll fraud in 2004, rumors of massive rallies nearly every weekend have raised security concerns for the police and military.

The military has maintained its high alert status in Metro Manila.

Citing intelligence reports, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao earlier said "the plot to topple the President is still there," even as the alert levels for police forces nationwide were lowered.

Known as a quiet worker but a very decisive Army commander, Senga is highly respected in the military circle following his participation in numerous combat missions in Mindanao against forces of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"I consider this (appointment) as a very big challenge, given this designated task at a very trying time, there’s a lot to be done," Senga said.

Aside from protecting the government from political destabilizers, Senga said he will also focus his efforts on enhancing the Army’s internal security capabilities, particularly against communist insurgents, Muslim secessionists and local terrorist groups.

"I am grateful to President Arroyo for the thrust and confidence in me. Of course, I am humbled with humility given this opportunity," he said.

Senga also vowed to continue the various programs that was started by Abu, particularly promoting professionalism and discipline among the ranks of the AFP as well as push for the modernization of their aging military hardware.

Senga and Abu are classmates of Lomibao in the Philippine Military Academy Class ’72.