Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang on Saturday said “loyalty checks” are not the purpose of his current field visits and that he sees no need for them as the troops are focused on their ongoing missions, including that of addressing the peace and order situation in Mindanao.
“The soldiers are all loyal to the republic, so there's no need for a loyalty check,” Catapang said during a press conference in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City.
Last Tuesday Senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed some retired generals associated with former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo are sowing seeds of destabilization. Catapang has belied this and said the AFP remains a professional organization.
Catapang said he directed AFP Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero to increase the military's presence in Talipao.
“We are moving in support of the law enforcement operations and then stabilizing the area with additional police and military forces especially in Talipao,” Guerrero said.
According to Guerrero, they received reports that the kin of those killed in an attack by suspected Abu Sayyaf members last week are plotting to exact revenge on the bandit group.
[Video news report]
At least 23 were killed after suspected Abu Sayyaf members ambushed a convoy in Talipao, Sulu which was headed for a Muslim feast marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan last Monday.
Guerrero said the AFP is supporting the local police of Sulu for the proper investigation and filing of charges against the suspects of the Talipao incident.
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