Military official denies coup plot vs Aquino

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

MANILA, Philippines–A military spokesman denied reports that disgruntled members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are plotting a coup d’état against the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

“We remain partisan-free and professional,” Colonel Ramon Zagala, Public Information Chief of the AFP said in an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

When asked about possible coup threat from retired and inactive members of the military, he said they have not monitored any activity of its possibility among them.

But he said, retired and inactive members of the military are now civilian and have regained their freedom of expression and assembly.

“They have already regained their freedom of expression and it is not the policy of the AFP to curtail anybody’s right,” he said.

“We will not curtail their rights,” he added.

He mentioned that there are some who are “disgruntled” but was quick to say that it is “just a mere expression” and would not transform into a possible coup threat.

He said that the military is thankful that Aquino vows to fulfill the modernization of the AFP and for recognizing their efforts to maintain peace and order especially during the Zamboanga siege.

He assured the AFP would do its mandate to protect the constitution and continue its mission to serve the Filipino people.

Earlier, AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Pio Gregorio Catapang after he assumed his post warned the Philippine military troops against meddling in the country’s political chaos amid the growing disappointment in the Aquino government.

Incidentally, Aquino’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino survived numerous coup attempts during her administration.

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