‘Viscom ready for any coup’

CEBU CITY — The Visayas Command assured yesterday that it is prepared to deal with any "destabilization effort" either from outside or within the military.

Viscom spokesman Maj. Michael Manquiquis said that the command has conducted a headcount of government troops assigned within its jurisdiction and all have been accounted for.

There are about 5,000 officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under Viscom, detailed in Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Panay island.

He added there have been no reports that the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabayan or Young Officers Union, both military cliques notorious for their history of involvement in rightist military plots to topple the government, had infiltrated Viscom.

After the exposé made by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson that President Estrada allegedly earned millions of pesos for his involvement in the illegal numbers game of jueteng, Malacañang warned of possible destabilizing efforts such as bombings and military action from people who want to take advantage of the weakening confidence in the presidency. — Freeman News Service