Magalong downplays alleged destabilization plot vs Marcos admin

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong

BAGUIO CITY —  The alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration might have stemmed from words uttered by young military and police officers frustrated with the government, according to retired police general and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. 

“Sa tingin ko yung destabilization na sinasabi nila siguro salita lang, sama ng loob, pero walang concrete na galaw talaga,” Magalong told reporters in an ambush interview in Baguio City. 

(I think the reported destabilization plot was spawned by just words due to some personal feelings, but with concrete actions.)

“Of course, many young officers were not satisfied with the system of senior officers, especially in handling issues such as corruption, but it doesn’t translate to something that would generate yung mga certain actions that would be construed as violent to overthrow the government,” he added.

In 2006, Magalong was charged with rebellion along with other Special Action Force officials for purportedly plotting a coup attempt against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He was later exonerated of the charge.

Magalong likewise pointed out that the alleged anti-Marcos administration plot would only worsen the country’s economic condition. 

“I don’t approve of destabilization dahil bagsak na tayo, bagsak na ang ating ekonomiya tapos grabe yung corruption, so wag na nating i-complicate,” the former police general said. 

(I disapprove of destabilization because our economy is already failing, and rampant corruption is everywhere, so let us not complicate things further.)

Last November 3, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed the supposed move against the administration reportedly hatched by some retired military officers. 

But the AFP subsequently clarified that Brawner was only “misquoted” and that there was no such destabilization plot.