PNP monitoring effects of Marine colonel’s call to overthrow government

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police said Monday it is monitoring the “implications and effects” of a Marine colonel’s videotaped call for the overthrow of the Aquino government.

But PNP Director General Raul Bacalzo said the PNP would let the Armed Forces of the Philippines finish first its investigation into the case of Naval Reserve deputy commander Colonel Generoso Mariano, who was stripped of his post and confined to quarters.

“I would not venture on it but let us let the AFP investigate first … but suffice it to say that the AFP is addressing the issue accordingly,” Bacalzo said in an ambush interview.

“But of course we have to monitor the implications and effects … [This will require] simple intelligence,” Bacalzo told reporters.

Bacalzo added that so far the PNP had not monitored “anybody or any policeman who is with Mariano,” and that it believes his case to be isolated.

Last week, a video of Mariano saying it was every Filipino’s duty to “replace the government” was circulated on the Internet and in military camps. He criticized the government for what he said was its failure to save Filipinos from death and hunger.

But the AFP dismissed it as the grumbling of only one man possibly driven by personal motives. The Philippine Navy has launched an investigation into the case.

Mariano was supposed to retire last Sunday but his retirement benefits might now be in jeopardy.