AFP brushes aside destabilization reports

MANILA, Philippines – The military brushed aside yesterday reports of fresh moves to destabilize the government as another round of disinformation.

Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Armed Forces public information chief, said military commanders will not get involved in any unconstitutional moves.

“Our commanders are mature enough (not) to be involved in such illegal move,” he said.

Renewed talks of destabilization cropped up last week following reports that the post of Marine Commandant would become vacant because Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino would be named Armed Forces Western Command (Wescom) commander based in Palawan.

However, a Camp Aguinaldo insider said talks of a coup are meant to influence President Arroyo’s appointment of Dolorfino’s successor.

The STAR learned that two key officers are eyeing the post of Marine commandant: Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, head of the anti-terror Task Force Comet, and Brig. Gen. Jonathan Martir, deputy Marine commandant.

On the other hand, Torres said there might be some quarters that want to exploit the military to further their own hidden agenda.

“We are very confident (that there is no destabilization),” he said. “We support the duly constituted authority, so whoever the people elect, we will support, up to the commander-in-chief.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Escudero expressed concern yesterday over the new reports of destabilization.

“The government could be playing the ‘under siege’ card to ward off mounting corruption criticisms against it,” he said.   – Jaime Laude, Christina Mendez