Military trucks transport 'items', AFP says amid coup rumors

MANILA, Philippines - About five military vehicles were seen along EDSA Wednesday morning amid rumors that some retired generals are hatching a destabilization plot against the Aquino administration.

Four military trucks and one armored personnel carrier were seen traversing the busy road that witnessed popular revolts that ousted two sitting presidents.

Officials, however, clarified that the presence of five military vehicles along EDSA has nothing to do with the rumored ouster plots.

“These are authorized movements, logistical movements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We apologize if it alarmed our countrymen,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in an interview Wednesday.

“These movements are necessary for administrative and logistical support of our troops in the field. These are coordinated,” he added.

Zagala said the military convoy came from the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command and was bound for the Army Support Command, the military’s supply unit.

He said the vehicles were carrying “critical items” but did not elaborate.

“They have to be escorted by armored vehicles to avoid any problems such as attacks on the convoy itself because the items being moved are critical items,” Zagala said.

“We can assure you that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is loyal to the chain of command. We will remain partisan free and professional,” he added.

The 24-kilometer EDSA was the site of two military-backed revolts that ousted presidents accused of corruption.

The first revolt happened in 1986 and ended the 20-year presidency of Ferdinand Marcos while the second uprising ousted former President Joseph Estrada in 2001.

The supposed destabilization plot against Aquino was revealed by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, himself a leader of a failed uprising against then President Gloria Macagapal-Arroyo.

Trillanes claimed that former generals are meeting with active military officers to convince them to destabilize the government. The senator, however, did not reveal the names of the generals.

The military has given assurances that soldiers would remain loyal to the chain of command and the constitution.