Lomibao downplays destabilization plot, clears Erap

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

The Philippine National Police is unfazed by the reported plots to destabilize the government.

“No, not at all,” said Director General Arturo Lomibao, who was in Brgy. Alaguisoc Wednesday morning together with First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo for the opening of the First Gentleman's Cup Area Championship Shootfest.

At the same time, Lomibao said that they do not believe that former President Joseph Estrada is involved in attempts at destabilization.

“I have not received any information (of Estrada's involvement),” he said.

Estrada, who is under house arrest for charges of plunder following his ouster from Malacañang four years ago, has denied involvement in the destabilization plots.

Recently, a handful of retired generals led by former Defense chief Fortunato Abat called for a revolutionary transition government because of rampant corruption in the administration.

Malacañang insists that Estrada is involved and is giving logistical support.

So far, Lomibao said, only the Community Party of the Philippines and the Abu Sayyaf Group are the serious threats to the country.

ON TOP OF THE SITUATION

“The law enforcers are on top of the situation,” Lomibao said, downplaying speculations that the country's peace and order situation is spiraling out of control.

“By and large, the peace and order (situation) remains normal. Our security forces maintain a high level of stability.”

He said that the declarations of Abat are “not abnormal.”

“I don't think these calls are abnormal,” he stressed.

Lomibao, however, warned against ‘crossing the line.'

“We have said that in case they cross the line, in case they make things which are blatantly against the law, then we cannot do otherwise but to enforce the law and safeguard the rights of others,” he aired.

For now, though, the PNP has no plans to arrests Abat and the other retired generals behind the Coalition for National Salvation.

“What we should do now,” Lomibao advised, “is to look forward, think of the economy, and enough of this destabilization, these talks of instability. It's not doing anything good for the country. ”

NO LOYALTY CHECK…FOR NOW

Lomibao also denied that the police hierarchy will be conducting a loyalty check among its personnel.

“(There are) No plans yet,” he said, adding that the country's police are not disenchanted.

“So far, we have not received reports of disenchantment as far as the situation is concerned.”

However, field commanders are continually monitoring the morale and welfare of their men, he said.