'Destabilization plot’ bound to fail, says army brass

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30): 'Destabilization plot’ bound to fail, says army brass

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City -- A top military official has issued an assurance that any plot to destabilize the government would not prosper for as long as the army is united.

Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, the commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), issued the statement during a visit to this army camp Thursday where he met with senior military officials in the region.

Without disclosing the entire message, Miranda confirmed that he received text messages, which tried to threaten the PA's integrity.

He said that the PA has remained united and a solid team and belied insinuation that some officers in the armed forces hierarchy are cooking a destabilization plot.

During the visit, Miranda also denied the accusation that despite the ongoing peace process, the military has continued to commit human rights violation in conflict areas of the countryside.

Miranda reiterated that the military fully supports the ongoing peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front.

The army brass, however, defended the presence of the government troopers in the countryside as part of the army’s mandate to assist the local government units in bringing development to far-flung areas in the country.

Miranda said that aside from assisting the local government units, the PA’s presence in rural villages was also to augment the Philippine National Police (PNP) in law enforcement.

“I think it’s still our job to support the PNP in the pursuit of their mission. Law and order are non-negotiable. Our communities must not be disturbed [by criminal activities],” he said in an interview after addressing the troops here.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=951817