Armed Forces Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva has expressed confidence in the loyalty of troops assigned in the Visayas, to the chain-of-command, headed by President Benigno Aquino III, amid reports of former military officers trying to recruit active officer and soldiers in a destabilization plot against the administration.
Stressing that he has not monitored such reports in the Visayas, Villanueva said there is no reason for soldiers to join the alleged plot, and added that they remain professionals, united, and solid behind the Aquino administration.
Villanueva commands the AFP units in Visayas.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy lieutenant who took part in efforts to overthrow the Arroyo administration in 2003 and 2007, said he had received information from former colleagues that retired officers have used the "red scare” tactic: that the Aquino administration is emerging as a communist regime in recruiting active officers and soldiers.
Maj. Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said the 3ID is focusing on winning the peace in Negros and Panay island, adding that he got such reports only from the media.
The 3ID led by Mabanta, is supervising the internal peace and security operations of more than 7,000 soldiers and militiamen in Negros and Panay islands.
Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, also said that he has not received any report of retired military officers or personnel visiting Army camps to recruit supporters of the destabilization plot against the Aquino administration in Negros Oriental.
Admitting that an attempt to destabilize the Aquino government may not be impossible, those who may be behind the plot will not succeed, Patrimonio said. He added that there are no legitimate issues against the administration.*GPB
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