Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala. NOY MORCOSO/ 黑料社 FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines鈥揂 military spokesman denied reports that disgruntled members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are plotting a coup d鈥櫭﹖at against the administration of President听Benigno听Aquino III.
鈥淲e remain partisan-free and professional,鈥� Colonel Ramon听Zagala, Public Information Chief of the AFP said in an interview over听Radyo听Inquirer 990AM.
When asked about possible coup threat from retired and inactive members of the military, he said they have not monitored any activity of its possibility among them.
But he said, retired and inactive members of the military are now civilian and have regained their freedom of expression and assembly.
鈥淭hey have already regained their freedom of expression and it is not the policy of the AFP to curtail anybody鈥檚 right,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e will not curtail their rights,鈥� he added.
He mentioned that there are some who are 鈥渄isgruntled鈥� but was quick to say that it is 鈥渏ust a mere expression鈥� and would not transform into a possible coup threat.
He said that the military is thankful that Aquino vows to fulfill the modernization of the AFP and for recognizing their efforts to maintain peace and order especially during the Zamboanga siege.
He assured the AFP would do its mandate to protect the constitution and continue its mission to serve the Filipino people.
Earlier, AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General听Pio听Gregorio听Catapang听after he assumed his post warned the Philippine military troops against meddling in the country鈥檚 political chaos amid the growing disappointment in the Aquino government.
Incidentally, Aquino鈥檚 mother, former President Corazon Aquino survived numerous coup attempts during her administration.
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