Southcom remains loyal to PGMA government
text HADER GLANG
The Southern Command, one of the biggest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ unified commands, gave its assurance that the entire government forces in Mindanao remain strongly united and loyal to the Arroyo administration.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon, Southcom chief, said that all the commanders are accounted for in their respective headquarters and that the troops are in their particular area of responsibility (AOR), performing their mandate and upholding the rule of law.

“I am watching the happenings in Metro Manila and I would like to assure our countrymen that we (here in Mindanao) remain loyal to our constitution, flag and strictly adhering to our chain of command,” he said.

The assurance was made in response to a coup attempt by “high-ranking” military officials and newly recruited junior officers on Friday coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolt that toppled the Marcos government in Feb. 24, 1986.

Contrary to the reports in the media, soldiers in Mindanao continue to perform their duty and are not involve in any destabilization attempt against the present administration, Habacon continued.

“I’ll take this opportunity to call on all our officers and soldiers here at Southcom to carry on their mission to maintain peace and order in this part of the country,” the Southcom chief said.

Security at the Southcom headquarters in Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian and Edwin Adrews Air Base in Sta. Maria were tight. Guards armed with high-powered firearms strictly manned the main gates.

The Southcom chief placed the entire 32,000 troops in Mindanao under “red alert” status until the coup threats exist.

“We assured the public that Southcom is intact. We have implemented security measures to ensure the region under our AOR orderly and peaceful,” Major Gamal Hayudini, Southcom public information chief, told reporters. (ZS)