No destabilization plot in military, says AFP public affairs chief

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala. NOY MORCOSO/ INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A military official on Tuesday assured that there would be no destabilization happening inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines after Senator Antonio Trillanes said that retired generals are plotting such things.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said assured that the men of the military do not have interest in a destabilization act to topple the current administration.

“Within the armed forces, presently there is no monitored destabilization among active members,” Zagala said. “There are no recruitment nor any moves within the active service.”

Trillanes said in a television report that retired generals who are in support of former president, and now, Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are planning to overthrow the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

A former Navy officer, Trillanes said retired generals are meeting with active members of the AFP in their destabilization plots.

He, however, did not identify the retired generals.

Zagala said that if the retired generals want to voice out their opinion on the Aquino administrwtion, they are free to do so as they’ve regained their rights they’ve given up when they were in the military.

“As a member of the AFP, there are certain liberties you surrender, like freedom of speech and freedom to assemble,” Zagala said. “Now, if the retired officials wish to speak against the officials, or conduct rallies, that is inhernt in our bill of rights.”

“Since they are retired we have no control over them,” Zagala added.

Also, retired officials and active members of the military can interact only in social functions of the AFP. Active members are advised to be discerning of the retired officials’ motives.

Despite the possibility of influencing the active service, Zagala said the troops are professional enough to focus on their job.

“We are confident that the level of professionalism is very high, that’s why there are no news of any destablization plot within the active service.”