US endorses civilian control over non-political military

The United States stressed yesterday its belief in "civilian control" over the military as it called anew on the Philippine government, the military and Filipinos to respect the rule of law, protect civil liberties and human rights, and reject violence.

The US Embassy in Manila issued the US government’s statement late Sunday in the wake of the six-hour standoff at the Philippine Marine headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City.

"The United States strongly believes in the principle and practice of civilian control of a professional and non-political military," Washington pointed out.

Sunday’s standoff brought about by the sacking of the Marines’ commandant ended shortly before midnight after troops agreed to return to barracks.

"We hope and expect the Filipino people will seek peaceful solutions to the current situation through constitutional procedures," the US statement said.

The US government urged the government on Friday to uphold the rule of law and protect civil liberties after President Arroyo declared a state of emergency due to an alleged coup plot hatched by the political opposition and leftist groups.

The US Embassy earlier issued a statement supporting neither side in the crisis, but said it was "monitoring the situation in the Philippines very closely."

The US also issued a Warden Message to its more than 100,000 American nationals in the Philippines to "take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety during this uncertain time."

The President declared last Friday a state of national emergency contained in Proclamation 1017, invoking military powers to quell a rebellion and to take over public utilities if necessary.

Legal challenges to her emergency declaration were being drawn up. Criticism that she overreacted came from all corners including former President Fidel Ramos, whose support was considered vital when Mrs. Arroyo survived her last political crisis.