No need for loyalty check, says AFP chief

Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MANILA, Philippines—Amid reported coup rumors following the Maguindanao clashes which killed 44 police officers, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it remained loyal to the Constitution.

“Wala nang kailangang loyalty check. We are loyal to the Constitution and to our duly constituted authorities,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Talks of troop movements and calls for protests among religious and civil society groups have started to circulate because of the bungled operations.

“Wala pa po kaming natatanggap na report diyan. We will look into that. As of now, we are trying to concentrate on this issue so that between the AFP and the Philippine National Police, we will bring back the relationship, the trust and confidence that we have built for the longest time,” he added.

On Monday, the Malacañang said it would rather focus on finding out the truth instead of dealing with the coup rumors.

“I think the President has a mandate with the people. The election is coming soon so I think it’s better if we allow the President to finish his term because he is the duly elected, duly constituted authority of the country,” Catapang said.

The military received criticisms for supposedly not giving immediate reinforcements to the beleaguered police officers.

On Jan. 25, members of the Special Action Force were supposed to serve warrant for Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino bomber Basit Usman. Circulating reports said Marwan was killed in the clash but was still subject to DNA testing.

The police troops figured in an hours-long firefight with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

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