AFP chief dismisses coup d’ etat rumors

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The country’s military chief dismissed on Wednesday rumors of a brewing attempt to launch a coup d’ etat against President Benigno Aquino III resulting from the disenchantment in the police and military’s handling of the operations to get two wanted international terrorists in Maguindanao.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang said in a press conference that he had not heard of the coup rumors with respect to the killings of 44 Special Action Force police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

He said on Wednesday he saw no need to conduct a loyalty check.

“We are loyal to the Constitution, and to our duly constituted authorities,” he stressed.

On the call from civilians and bishops for President Aquino to resign as a result of botched SAF operation, Catapang said the President drew his mandate to serve from the people and with elections in May 2016, it would be better to just allow the President to finish his term.

Catapang, however, said AFP would check just the same into the rumors.

“But as of now, we’re trying to concentrate on this issue (investigation into the Mamasapano clash) so that, between the AFP and PNP, we will bring back the relationship, the trust and confidence that we have built for the longest time,” he added.

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