AFP cuts troops further in MM

The Armed Forces has further reduced its presence in Metro Manila following what it called the "normalization" of the security situation in the metropolis.

Army Maj. Gen. Dionisio Santiago, chief of the 3,000-strong Task Force Libra, said only a "few hundred" troops remain on standby in various military installations in Metro Manila to prevent the recurrence of the Labor Day riots.

"With the situation going back to normal, we have downgraded the alert level to normal and have downsized our forces in Metro Manila," Santiago said.

But Armed Force deputy chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu said the task force is not about to be deactivated despite the improved peace and order situation in the metropolis.

"The organization is still there, only not so visible. We are always on the lookout for eventualities and don’t leave things to chance," said Cimatu, who supervises the overall security preparations of the military in Metro Manila.

Organized on April 26, Task Force Libra is composed of Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force personnel from Luzon, backed by tanks, armored fighting vehicles and aircraft.

It was formed to support police forces that were overwhelmed by thousands of supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada who stormed Malacañang last May 1.

The government also claimed the existence of an armed pro-Estrada component that was supposed to attack the Palace and other vital government installations.

The siege of Malacañang turned bloody following a military-police dispersal operation resulting in at least four people killed and hundreds wounded, prompting President Arroyo to declare a state of rebellion in Metro Manila.

Key opposition leaders, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Gregorio Honasan, former Philippine National Police chief Panfilo Lacson and former Ambassador to Washington Ernesto Maceda were subsequently charged with rebellion.

Enrile is now out on bail, Maceda has been placed under custody of his lawyer for health reasons, while the others who were never formally charged remain free. Mrs. Arroyo lifted the state of rebellion on May 7, a week before the elections.