Army denies troop movements vs. destab plot

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division clarified that movement of troops under their unit is for internal security operations and not for the reported plot to unseat the administration of President Arroyo.

Major Lyndon Sollesta, 3ID public information officer, said everything is normal in all units covered by their Division, which covers the island of Panay, Negros Occidental and parts of Negros Oriental.

Sollesta stressed that the army will remain loyal to the duly constituted government and will adhere to the Army's chain of command.

He added they strongly believe in the leadership of 3ID commanding general, Maj. Gen. Alfonsos Crucero.

There is no need for them to undergo a loyalty check as there are no reports of officers enticing the soldiers to join in the destabilization plot against Mrs. Arroyo, Sollesta remarked.

He said they are doing their job in spite of the talks of destabilization plot against President Arroyo. The destabilization plot has long been reported even before the jueteng controversy and the taped conversation between President Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, he revealed.

The army spokesperson added that they have not received reports that communist rebels will be staging offensives to take advantage of the volatile situation.