(UPDATE) Arroyo not bothered by new ‘coup attempt’--Teodoro
Security alert level at Palace normal--PSG chief
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:10:00 07/03/2008
CALAMBA, Laguna -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not worried about an alleged new attempt by a group of active and retired military officers to destabilize her administration anew, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Thursday.
"She's not worried about any destabilization attempts," Teodoro said in an interview here after attending the regional disaster coordinating council meeting presided by Arroyo to get an update on relief and rehabilitation after typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen).
In a separate interview, Presidential Security Group chief Celedonio Boquiren said the security alert level at the Palace complex has not been raised and that Arroyo will be attending her scheduled activities for the week.
Arroyo came here after attending the capsule-laying ceremony for the Shangri-La Hotel at the Bonifacio Global City.
Despite the uncovered plot, Teodoro said he believes the military is intact and does not see the need for a loyalty check.
"I'm confident of the loyalty of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]" he said.
He belittled the ability of the alleged plotters to carry off a coup. "They are a spent force but it's a crime and it has to be dealt with," he said.
Earlier, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said Malacañang is monitoring closely developments on the foiled alleged coup plot but will let the Philippine National Police (PNP) gather evidence to bring the case to court.
"The case obviously involves national security issues. Hence, we are monitoring closely the developments of the case," Dureza said.
"The trajectory of the legal action will be determined by the quantum of evidence available," he said.
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