Centcom assures support to gov’t amid coup rumors

The Armed Forces in Central Visayas remains loyal to the organization, according to a key official of the Central Command (Centcom).

Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, Centcom spokesperson, said they have not monitored a   “massive recruitment of soldiers” to join a coup plot against the administration of Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

This assurance came after former coup leader and now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV confirmed last Monday an alleged massive recruitment of military personnel by “notorious personalities” connected with the previous administration.

Tampus, however, did not discount the possibility that recruitment might be done discreetly.

“Communication is easier now so it’s not impossible that secret recruitment is being done.  But it would not prosper here in Central Visayas because our men have high morale as their needs are properly addressed,” Tampus said.

Based on reports, recruiters used the “red scare tactic” where soldiers were warned that the Aquino administration has already been penetrated and infiltrated by communist ideologies.

To ensure loyalty and support from their troops, Tampus said they conduct daily and weekly assemblies to hear the concerns of their men with the promise of a resolution.

In fact, Tampus said Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Centcom commander, have been conducting detachment visitations in the region to know firsthand the problems of their men.

“Our men and officers are committed to the service and they are all professionals. We follow the chain of command,” he said.

The coup plot came out because of reports that Jose Maria Sison, the founder of the National Democratic Front, is set to return home and will be given a government position reportedly as a consultant.

If in case of a coup anywhere in the country, the Armed Forces will be on red alert while all personnel will be confined to their quarter.

Trillanes headed the botched Oakwood mutiny in 2003 together with 321 armed soldiers who call themselves as the “Bagong Katipuneros” or the Magdalo.

Tampus admitted that during the 2003 mutiny, several soldiers and officials suddenly left Central Visayas and secretly joined Trillanes’ group.  He and his cohorts later surrendered.

For his part, Tampus said if this would happen, they will be affected as well as their other colleagues assigned in any part of the Philippines. /CORRESPONDENTS GABRIEL C. BONJOC AND CHITO O. ARAGON