Aquino warned: Failure to bring SAF 44 killers may embolden coup plotters

President Benigno Aquno III. AP file photo

MANILA, Philippines – A Magdalo lawmaker warned President Benigno Aquino III that failure to fulfill his promise to identify and prosecute the killers of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos would only push the military to the side of destabilization efforts against the government.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said that calls for the President to step down or face coup d’etat were just a diversion from the main issue of making the persons or groups responsible for the fallen SAF. Alejano said that at this point, he could not see any major reason why the Armed Forces of the Philippines would join the groups out to destabilize the government.

In an interview with DZBB radio, Alejano said that the groups have been working for the overthrow off the government even before the Mamasapano debacle.

“But the Aquino administration must not ignore this threat because there is a legitimate issue which needs to be addressed. If it does not provide the right direction or right reply, a lot of citizens will of course ask and demand for answers. There is the opportunity for them (destabilizers) to give justice, which the President will not give,” said Alejano.

“We heard him (President) promise he will give justice to the SAF 44. We also heard him say that he will run down any one who gets in his way. That is what our citizens are waiting,” said Alejano..

At this point, Alejano said the strong statements of the President were just words to the widow and relatives of the SAF 44.

“We understand that we have a standing peace negotiation with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and that is why emotions have become stronger because they were among those who killed the SAF. We are waiting to see how strong is the government’s position to promote the welfare of the majority of Filipinos, the military and the police, in the middle of negotiations with the MILF,” said Alejano.