Malacañang shrugs off coup talk

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang assured the public on Wednesday that law enforcement agencies will keep them safe amid rumors of a coup plot against President Benigno Aquino III.

“Patuloy namang tinututukan ito ng ating mga awtoridad at hindi papahintulutan ‘yung mga naghahasik ng ligalig na magsagawa ng mga hakbang na magreresulta sa kawalan ng kaligtasan at kapanatagan ng ating mga mamamayan (The authorities continue to monitor the situation and will not allow those sowing discord to implement steps that will endanger the safety of our citizens),” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Earlier reports said certain groups are plotting against Aquino. Among those tagged was former Tarlac Rep. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, uncle of the President.

While Cojuangco denied that he was supporting a military takeover, he said he wanted his nephew to step down.

Coloma said he did not know if the two had met and discussed the rumors.

However, he pointed out that both Cojuangco and former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales denied that they were planning to oust Aquino through a coup d’etat.

He said expressing different views is part of a democracy and that the President continues to fulfill his obligations.

Coloma said it is the people who have the right to decide if they still want Aquino as President.

Aquino has been receiving flak for his handling of the Mamasapano clash last month. While the operation succeeded in killing international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, it led to the death of 44 policemen, 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and at least five civilians.

Initial reports said the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had a misencounter with the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Aquino was blamed for allegedly allowing a suspended police official to direct the operation while keeping other officials in the dark.

RELATED STORIES

Uncle Peping wants Aquino out 

Trillanes links Arroyo official to coup plot