No destab plot, just ‘passionate’ officers – NSA

MANILA, Philippines — There is no plot to destabilize the government, although there are “passionate” debates among retired military officers on the policies of the Marcos administration, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said yesterday.

Reports quoted Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as saying earlier that he had heard of destabilization plots, including calls to stage a coup d’etat to unseat President Marcos, some of them involving former military officers.

But Brawner yesterday denied saying that there was such a plot and that his statement was “taken out of context.”

He had reportedly talked to some of those who were into the supposed destabilization plot and told them not to involve active soldiers.

The military chief also claimed that there are no widespread movements against the
administration, but warned soldiers not to join such actions, according to media reports.

Brawner did not identify the personalities who are reportedly pushing to get Marcos out of power.

In an interview at the House of Representatives yesterday, Brawner denied saying there is a destabilization plot involving former military officers, and that he “did not mention” that there was such a destabilization plot during the change of command ceremonies at the West Mindanao Command on Friday.

“It was taken out of context. I did not mention about destabilization plot. When you say plot, it’s like there is a plan that is ready for execution,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Brawner added that what he said was that “we heard some chatters of destabilization efforts.”

“That’s the specific word that I said. So I did not use the word ‘plot,’ but the context of that speaking engagement is, I was talking to our troops, our sailors, airmen and what I was saying was that – I was reminding them that as soldiers, we should take our oath seriously that we protect the Vonstitution,” he said.

The official underscored he was telling military personnel not to get involved in any “movement.”

Brawner added that he has big respect for retired officers.

“That the context of my statement – that soldiers should not join these kinds of activities, like rallies. So,