AFP deploys anti-coup force

MANILA, Philippines – An anti-coup Army unit is being sent to Metro Manila as the government braces for street protests to press for President Arroyo’s resignation, the military said yesterday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is deploying a battalion composed of four companies of infantry and 32 tanks and armored vehicles to beef up Metro Manila’s security forces during the commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution on Monday.

A composite battalion from the Army’s 2nd, 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions arrived in Metro Manila yesterday to augment the 3,000-strong force of the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).

“The forces will form part of the operational readiness and contingency force of the AFP to prevent any attempts of power grab, if ever,” NCRCOM commander Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa said.

In previous years, soldiers were pulled out of their anti-insurgency duties and sent to Manila to participate in the celebration of the civilian-backed military bloodless uprising that toppled the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Mesa explained that the soldiers’ presence in Metro Manila was aimed at preserving peace and ensuring that the laws of the land are enforced.

Earlier, Mesa warned that soldiers who break the chain of command would be harshly dealt with.

The warning came following reports that the current political developments caused by alleged widespread anomalies in the government have already affected the troops’ morale.

“I would also like to assure the public and the business sector that this operational readiness of NCRCOM is aimed at preserving democracy,” Mesa said.

He allayed fears that disgruntled soldiers are planning to challenge the government, saying that soldiers who will do so will be met with the full force of the law.

Aside from the fresh troop reinforcement, elite troops were already deployed in Metro Manila even before the Makati City rally last week.