All quiet at Fort Magsaysay

For all the political tension prevailing in Metro Manila, Army troops stationed at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija enjoy a pocket of calm.

When the metropolis was shaken by fresh rumors of yet another coup plot to overthrow the government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) immediately placed its troops on red alert.

But while the main military camps are boiling with tension, Fort Magsaysay has a different atmosphere.

The troops continue to enjoy the serenity of the countryside, the cool morning breeze, and the rustling of leaves.

The sight of widely vegetated mountains surrounding the military camp could certainly ease and soothe a tired mind.

Located some 150 kilometers north of Metro Manila, Fort Ramon Magsaysay is located on the outskirts of Nueva Ecija, close to the great Sierra Madre mountain range.

It is home to the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, the largest military camp of the AFP.

Despite the brewing tension in the country’s capital, the troops could hardly feel the heat, according to Army Capt. Wilfredo Martin, chief of the 7th Civil Military Operations Unit based at Fort Magsaysay.

"If there should be any military takeover and if the report of a coup were true, then the troops needed for the operation should be coming from here. But we are still focused on our duties," Martin said.

He said the troops are more concerned in anti-insurgency operations and internal security campaigns, rather than dabble in political developments.

Through the guidance of Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, commander of the 7th ID, the men are constantly reminded of their sworn duties to the flag and the Constitution, Martin said.

On any ordinary day, as well as in times the security alert is raised, there is the usual routine of regular combat training, physical fitness activities, and environmental undertakings.

One Army sergeant, when asked by The STAR about what he feels about the coup rumors, had a simple yet reassuring reply: "Basta bukas alam ko may tree planting activity kami at magtatanim kami ng puno (All I can say is that we look forward to our tree planting activity tomorrow. We are all tasked to plant trees).

After the AFP ordered the arrest of Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim at the height of the coup attempts, Palparan ordered the deployment of some 100 troops to secure Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.