‘PNP solid vs destabilizers’

DAVAO CITY — Amid seemingly incessant threats of destabilization, the Philippine National Police (PNP) remains supportive of its constitutional duty to protect the government and the people against threats of instability.

PNP chief Director Arturo Lomibao declared the country’s police force remains strongly solid amid fresh attempts by some groups to unseat President Arroyo.

He said the PNP remains unfazed over reports of renewed massive street protest actions and attempts to force Mrs. Arroyo out of office.

"We are not letting our guard down. These coup talks have been going on and off. But attempting is one thing and carrying out is another thing," he said.

Lomibao declared here that the PNP will not be affected by fresh attempts by some groups to recruit policemen, particularly the elite Special Action Forces, in destabilization efforts.

"We do not have any problem in the PNP. We are solid as a rock," he said.

Lomibao dismissed claims of some groups that boasted they had the numbers to overthrow Mrs. Arroyo.

"Wala naman talaga silang tao (They really do not have the warm bodies)," he added.

He pointed out the protest actions and coup attempts are mostly concentrated in Metro Manila. "They have not spread out to other provinces outside of Metro Manila," he noted.

Lomibao said the PNP is ready to face any eventuality with necessary security measures already in place ahead of the Labor Day celebrations on May 1.

The national police chief conceded that the worst may not be over, noting the opposition plans to resurrect its impeachment complaint against Mrs. Arroyo in the House of Representatives along with expected protest rallies by militant groups on May 1.

But as far as the PNP is concerned, all the men and women in the police service remain focused on their job to uphold the law and maintain security, even if the second impeachment case against Mrs. Arroyo prospers in Congress in July.

"We are putting everything in check," he added. — Edith Regalado