AFP Chief calls for unity in averting coup threats

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Generoso Senga, yesterday asked for cooperation from everyone to achieve a united front with the military in averting the threats of coup d'etat currently being sowed in the minds of the public.

The military command have been watching closely on this development, especially with the reported collusion of military mutineers with the rebels and terrorists groups to overthrow the government, Senga told reporters.

Senga, here in Cebu City for the turnover of commands rites at the Central Command, said the coup threats caused undue alarm to the public so the AFP have been intensifying its efforts to keep the situation in check and secure the country from this internal menace.

Sa AFP, lahat ng threats ay binabantayan to secure the area, Senga said, adding however that sincere cooperation from everybody is needed now for the welfare of the government.

Senga said the AFP aimed to be united and strong to focus on its mission and raise its professional standards. He also said the AFP has been fighting corruption and resolve whatever threat in the organization but then such directions could not be achieved if the military is not united.

Senga admitted there was security lapse in the recent escape of the four Magdalo officers from detention in Fort Bonifacio while facing trial for a military mutiny on July 2003. However investigation on the matter will soon be concluded, with the help of the Philippine National Police.

He called on these military officers to return voluntarily to the fold of the AFP and settle whatever differences they wanted to raise. He also asked the Abu Sayyaf and New People's Army to stop luring these soldiers to join them in waging war against the government.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Samuel Bagasin, the newly installed Central Command Commander, yesterday said he could not believe the four military escapees are capable of joining with the rebels and terrorist groups in staging a coup.

Bagasin said these officers know their enemies and would not take the leftist groups as part of whatever plans they have against the government.

Bagasin told reporters there is a possibility that these officers would come to hide in Cebu but there are orders from the AFP headquarters that these officers should be arrested when sighted but would be dealt with drastically should they resist. - Norvie S. Misa