“Uneasy are the shoulders that bear four stars.”
This is a not-too-cryptic line shared with me by a senior journalist covering Camps Aguinaldo and Crame and two military officers when I sought to reconfirm the incessant reports about Oplan August Moon.
“The rivalry between the generals from PMA Classes ’76 and ’78 is fueling the rumors even as military intelligence investors have separately obtained leads indicating the possible involvement of the political opposition in the plot,” my sources told me.
(L-R: IBRADO, BANGIT, VERSOZA, ROSALES)
“They are trying not to be drawn into it but Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado and Director-General Jesus Versoza, AFP Chief of Staff and PNP chief respectively, cannot prevent their mistahs from talking.“
The two military officers said, “there’s no question about their loyalty to the Flag,” but the two other generals “waiting in the wings” are becoming the focus of intrigue because they are next in line to Generals Ibrado and Versoza.
The two being referred to are military intelligence chief Delfin Bangit and national capital region commander Roberto Rosales.
Director Rosales, who is president of PMA Class ’78, is widely respected in the police corps ,“while Director-General Versoza “has seen his slate affected by the recent ‘Euro generals scandal and questions about his management skills.”
“In the case of Bangit, intrigue heightened when Malacanang itself announced he was the successor of recently retired CoS Jose Yano only for the announcement to be cancelled without explanation,” my two sources noted.”
That was then followed by the promotion of Gen. Ibrado as chief of staff with Yano being named ambassador to Brunei,
“The military brass, of course, respect the prerogative of their Commander in Chief (Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) to “change her mind and undertake deep selection,” my sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.
The bigger revelation my journalist source shared is this: a top-ranking general told me “intelligence probers are closely examining a document referring to important event/s which may take place between August and October.”
The document allegedly “makes reference to former President Joseph Estrada’s political group Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.”
My source would not go further when asked if Mr. Estrada himself could be implicated to the so-called ‘Oplan August Moon’ except to say “we don’t know if there is an actual ‘military-format Operation Plan’ except what has been referred to verbally in the Camps.”
(This writer is trying to get the side of Mr. Estrada.)
“The improvised bombs recently used or left at the Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Ombudsman and privately-owned condominium Burgundy One Place appears to be the work of amateurs and not ordnance experts.”
(ARCHIVE PICTURES)
Note: C-4 is a high quality, very high velocity military plastic explosive.
C4 is supplied in bulk drums, in a slightly powdery form. Upon manipulation the material immediately consolidates into a rubbery fully plasticised mass which may be kneaded and pressed into any shape. The material has excellent mechanical and adhesive properties, and may be stretched into long strands without breakage.
In its original powdery form the explosive may be poured into charge containers, then pressed into intimate contact with the liner.
“We believe the C-4 explosives were not sourced from anywhere in Metro Manila but could only have come from Mindanao,” my sources revealed.
Speaking separately to journalists yesterday, Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former chief of staff and seasoned field commander in Mindanao, said his doubts about the possible involvement of national security adviser Norberto Gonzales.
The online report of ABS-CBN News says in part:
Sen. Rodolfo Biazon on Thursday assailed National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales for contributing to the climate of instability by downplaying bomb-related incidents in Metro Manila this week.
“I’m not talking about specifics, whether administration or opposition. But to hear the national security adviser say about the need for a revolution, the putting up of a junta, the putting up of a transition government is fuelling all of these speculative conclusions,” Biazon said in a radio dzMM interview.
The senator added he could not believe Gonzales’s cold reaction to the bombing of the Office of the Ombudsman and the attempted bombing of the Department of Agriculture offices in Quezon City.
Gonzales and the military had said that the bombing attempts are part of a trend that usually happens before the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The statements were made in reaction to allegations that some people in the administration are creating a scenario that may be used to justify the declaration of emergency rule.
Biazon alleged that the real root cause of the destabilization scenarios is none other than Gonzales.
The senator said Gonzales has been advocating a revolution and the establishment of a junta to be led by President Arroyo.
He recalled that Gonzales raised this during a seminar conducted by the Center for Strategic Studies in Davao City in 2006 for junior military officers.
“Three years ago, Gonzalez conducted a seminar in military camps, and he said there is a need for a revolution, from liberal democracy to social democracy,” Biazon said.
He said the junior officers in the seminar were told that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as the only sector with “the power of the gun,” can carry out such revolution.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/02/09/biazon-hits-gonzales-view-metro-bombings
The events of the coming days or weeks can either heighten the apprehensions or ease public disquiet.
POSTSCRIPT:
I first published this article in my home blog three days ago.
Since then the squabbling joint venture partner firms in the election automation contract for 2010 are “reconciled” and are promising “a dream scenario for the elections with Filipinos knowing the results for the national officials by May 12, 72-hours after polls close.”
I’m marking that date on my ‘good news’ calender tab.
This along with the hope that any and all extra-legal plots, real or imagined, go kaput.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Ding,
Working during the holiday, I see. Enjoyed the article. Will tuck my opinions in my shirt pocket, so as not to offend those who want us Joe’s to butt the f*** out. It’s hard, with advancing age . . . the learning of a lifetime wants to keep leaking out my fingertips and onto a keyboard.
Joe
Hi joe.
As I track this story, I am developing the perception that a measure of classic ‘psy-ops’ may be in play between the ‘rival’ PMA classes at the expense of the Generals.
I largely believe that while certain segments in the uniformed services have been ‘politicized’ by the what I’d call the Marcosian tactics of some politicians, the officer corps of the Armed Forces, and the National Police remain professional and loyal to the Flag, and the Constitution.
I’m glad you are tracking the story. It must be rather fascinating. It is a comfort to know that the Constitution remains respected within the military. Do you know what oath military officers are required to take? I’m curious. Is allegiance to commanding officer, or to the state, and are there provisions for arresting a superior officer who is behaving “strangely” (I believe the US Navy has such a provision).
No need to answer. I’m just mumbling into my typewriter, musing.
Joe
joe,
People in the government essentially take the same pro-forma oath of office. It’s in the Constitution.
I served in the executive branch before.
Ding,
I’m confused. Really. Are you saying there may not be a Moon Oplan…and perhaps it’s an Erap stratagem or perhaps it’s only a by-product of some officers playing little games with each other?
Can you please clarify your latest view?
Read through it again please.
Note that the Erap angle is hanging it appears. I hope get hold iof an intel doc. When I do, I will post it so long us my source does not get burned.
The narrative is as I have gathered thus far.
My POV is:
“The events of the coming days or weeks can either heighten the apprehensions or ease public disquiet.”
And:
“I’m marking that date (May 12, 2010 the indocted date for the election results to be known)on my ‘good news’ calender tab.
This along with the hope that any and all extra-legal plots, real or imagined, go kaput.”
I don’t know about all of this, mainly because one can easily write:
Some rumors have come out — from anti-GMA quarters citing un-named sources — which have not been substantiated. But they have been repeated in various media. The rumors predict a series of events which, to date, haven’t happened. They might or might not be accurate.
Without the media re-raising the issue, is there even a story?
Your view, your entitlement.
Ding,
I’m not sure what I wrote is a “view” or an opinion.
Can you please point out any factual errors in the following statement?
“Some rumors have come out — from anti-GMA quarters citing un-named sources — which have not been substantiated. But they have been repeated in various media. The rumors predict a series of events which, to date, haven’t happened. They might or might not be accurate.”
Reality,
Let me just plug in here, off-topic. I note today that Senate President Enrile has suggested to COMELEC that it should be developing a side by side manual election in case something goes wrong with the automation. I view this as a good thing, consistent with a good tech approach, backing up everything and having contingencies. Murphy was a tech specialist.
Also an article inside the inquirer by Manuel Alcuaz, Jr. regarding how automated voting is most susceptible from insider fraud. He has some suggestions for avoiding this that seem to make some sense.
I suspect that there will be lots of probing on this during the coming months, also a good thing..
Joe
Joe,
Sorry, I didn’t see this post of yours until now.
I like Enrile, but he’s out of his depth on this one. The easiest respose is “there IS a manual back-up!”. In fact, there are a series of redundancies at many levels, stages and throughout the entire process. The more I learn about the systematic approach they’ve taken, the more I’m impressed.
Alcuaz’s article (surprise, surprise…in the Inquirer!) is junk. I have a hard time believing he is ignorantly so misinformed. I mean, he could have bothered to do some investigation before writing, no? Or did he know the realities and just wanted to distort?
Remember, Joe — it is pretty obvious that some anti-admin types want to cast doubt about the automated system no matter what. Ever wonder why that is?
Reality,
I think, like many things, this is an area that is new and people don’t “trust” very well; breakdowns after bid selection don’t help much. I think it is a good thing that people are probing, and if the specifics of the info you have were commonly available, it might help people back down a bit. For myself, I was involved in lots of tech projects during my banking career, and I know they back them up everywhichway.
Joe
Joe,
A banker? Hah! Wouldn’t have guessed that. Cool. No prob. Just surprised.
Yes, probing is good…but accusing blindly (or purposefully) is bad.
You are right about one thing — Comelec could make the info more easily accessible. In fact, I was thinking that they should have put together a “road show” for the public. I myself get the info from painful web searches and by (having the opportunity to) catching the right guests on the right news talk shows at the right time.
James Jimenez, Comelec Spokesman, is good. Young. Trustable type. If only the public gave him Jun Lozada attention…..there wouldn’t be any misunderstanding or mistrust!
Reality,
Well, marketing and planning — a long-haired “banker” — and 13 years working directly with the Japanese principals got me burned out on facts. You think you like facts, you haven’t seen anything yet . . .
But regardless, I find myself still learning after all these years . . . and will continue to pop off occasionally . . . to keep you awake.
Joe
“please clarify your latest view.”
Ding,
Thank you for clarifying your view.
Please note, though, that you labeled a comment of mine as being my, RC’s, view. I disagree with that asessment. And I am asking you to indicate the presence of an opinion/interpretation in the factual (I think) statement:
“Some rumors have come out — from anti-GMA quarters citing un-named sources — which have not been substantiated. But they have been repeated in various media. The rumors predict a series of events which, to date, haven’t happened. They might or might not be accurate.”
———-
It’s a simple, direct question, no? I’m sure you have a simple direct answer to the question, right? So shoot.
You say “They might or might not be accurate.”
Your perspective, right?
So where’s the question or am I dense?
Now re “Without the media re-raising the issue, is there even a story?”
My exchange above with Joe America is apropos:
“As I track this story, I am developing the perception that a measure of classic ‘psy-ops’ may be in play between the ‘rival’ PMA classes at the expense of the Generals.
I largely believe that while certain segments in the uniformed services have been ‘politicized’ by the what I’d call the Marcosian tactics of some politicians, the officer corps of the Armed Forces, and the National Police remain professional and loyal to the Flag, and the Constitution.”
Clear?
Ding,
OK. Thanks.
“Might or might not be accurate” is not a view; it’s a factual statement.
In fact, I believe the statement is all fact:
“Some rumors have come out — from anti-GMA quarters citing un-named sources — which have not been substantiated. But they have been repeated in various media. The rumors predict a series of events which, to date, haven’t happened. They might or might not be accurate.”
And this statement has been factually true many times in the last several years…especially when talking of “imminent martial law”.
Lots of accusations, lots of rumors…not much substance.
FV has seen lots of high brow, thoughful, scholarly analyses of the Philippines, of Pinoys, about what is wrong, etc, etc.
But a simple, fundamentally-sound place to start is to recognize and reject a political scene dominated by haka-haka and devoid of factual, issue-based discussions. If you, the voter, want a better political environment…then it must start with you. And you should be demanding about the quality of info the parties, politicians and institutions are shoveling out.
Conversely, the acceptance (or even the embracement) of unsubstantiated claims just makes for a muddled political environment where no one can trust anyone and no one knows what can or can’t be believed. That’s what has happened. This cycle needs to be broken. And it starts with each individual.
I am starting a rumor — that China wants a naval base in either Palawan or the Visayas. The reason is straightforward — for China to prevent the US from getting to the bases first, because the first one to obtain such a naval base will have command over the sea lanes that bring oil to Japan.
China has already spent $1Billion to fund Sri Lanka government’s military win over the Tamil Tigers, and Sri Lanka, in return, gave naval basing rights to China (area of operations — Indian Ocean).
So if Pinas-Luzon is willing to send the soldiers for military nullification of MILF, there should be a source of cash for artillery and ammo (also to buy petroleum, especially grease). The price is naval basing rights.
And then, there is the petty rumor of Oplan AugustMoon.
And this is not a rumor. The United States and the European Union do take cheating in elections and banana-republic OPLAN coups seriously enough to withdraw foreign aid from nations.
—————————-
Managua, Nicaragua – Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and the Sandinista-controlled Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) stand accused of rigging last year’s municipal elections to steal more than 40 mayor’s seats – including the capital city of Managua. The widespread allegations and documentation of fraud have led to $130 million in foreign-aid cuts from the United States and the European nations, creating liquidity problems for the government that now jeopardize Nicaragua’s program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Despite the continuing controversy over last year’s elections, the Sandinistas refuse to discuss the issue with critics. Instead, they have cracked down on dissidents and routinely clashed with any attempt at opposition protests. The government has also endeavored to silence critical voices in the media – sometimes with an excessive show of force.
Full news-clip here.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0703/p06s22-woam.html
—————-
Will go back to sleep. BTW, I believe that murderous bombing in Cotabato City is authored by the ‘usual suspects’.
This is a very dangerous situation. The Generals has not yet placed
Gloria Arroyo to continue her stay in power. They are now positioning
themselves to grab power for themselves.
This will surely make us another Banana Republic. At least, a
Banana Republic will now be in Asia, other than South America.
Military people are trained for war. Not to rule in civil affairs.
They must understand this principle. As I had said, they cannot
beat the NPA and the MILF. So, they try their lucks on the Filipino
civilians. I think they cannot even win a war, if war comes
to our country.
Look at the war performance of the Argentina’s Military during the
Falkland Island War with the British. They did not last long and were defeated by just a boatload of British Marines. And, these people were the one bullying the people of Argentina.
if i recall correctly, there was this bill to have a fixed term for chief of staffs, since mathematically this will prevent class 78 from having the cos or c/s post before 2010 if the bill was to be fast tracked.
well, nasa kangkungan na yung bill na yun,until further notice.
as some one with ties to the senate defense committee, i have to say that no(further) news is good news.
but wait,the manila pen incident had no news(prior to its happening),but had fullpage ads,but no one “noticed”.
No hard and fast rule me thinks. Things like this are dynamic.
But allow me to restate my postscript:
“… the squabbling joint venture partner firms in the election automation contract for 2010 are “reconciled” and are promising “a dream scenario for the elections with Filipinos knowing the results for the national officials by May 12, 72-hours after polls close.”
I’m marking that date on my ‘good news’ calender tab.
This along with the hope that any and all extra-legal plots, real or imagined, go kaput.”
Karl,
What was the “manila pen incident”? I’m not familiar with it. Thanks.
Joe
Joe,
here is the long version:
http://karl-garcia.blogspot.com/2009/06/discussion-paper-written-by-my-father.html
the short version is:
senator trillanes and general lim walked out of a court hearing and then proceeded to the manila penn, where a stand off occured.
the incident happened when the president, all the commanding generals of all the services and the makati police chief were out of town.
the dilg secretary was the only one in position to deal with trillanes,et al.
btw, it happened on november 29,2007.
Karl,
Thank you for the link. I shall read the long version, too.
Joe
Thanks Joe!
Karl,
I enjoyed your father’s encapsulation of the history of Philippine military coups; it greatly aided my understanding of that history. Your father has the ability to take a dry and serious subject and give it a human and wryly humorous perspective.
I extracted numerous lessons from the write-up, not the least being:
“Alas, Father Bernas in an answer to my question in the 2005 PMA Alumni convention answered in the affirmative to my suggestion that a coup is only unconstitutional if it failed. “
I also enjoyed his touch of cynicism in the following perspective:
“Are Filipinos “worth killing or dying for”? We would hardly die or kill for a cause that we love more than ourselves. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) would die for their families, not necessarily for the nation that separated them from their families. They are the protectors of their families. The ruling families of this country are the protectors of their Life (property), Liberty (more property) and Property (plunder) not to mention the happiness of pursuit. They would die to the last Marine.”
It is this perspective that gives me confidence that the military in the Philippines for the most part represents the “good guys”; they know that they represent the people first, not the self-designated civilian masters. If it seems there is a penchant for military interventionism here, it is because there is a penchant for civilian leadership adventurism.
Thank you very much for the reference and education.
Joe
joe,
thanks again and you are very welcome!
Joe,
I have to inform you that I have deleted the link I provided you.
I informed my dad that I posted some of the things he written in my blog and he went ballistic.
Anyways, thanks for reading it.
Karl,
Nothing more terrifying than a ballistic dad, heh. Let me know if he gets it into a book and I’ll buy that!
Joe
Joe,
About the book,I sure hope he will still finish what he started a few years ago.
i will also mark that date(election day) to my good news calendar.
kahit na gaya gaya ako,pati na din yung huli mong sinabi,sana nga they would all go kaput.
Dapat mag-Starbucks tayo KG. :)
Maybe one of this days, Ding.
wrong grammar na naman: “one of these days”
Oplan August Moon is only reality in its own ‘ontological realm’.
If the government calls the bluff, then it can mobilize police and military against GMA’s vocal critics, detractors, and oppositionists.
Enough of the myth of ‘mistah culture’ in the whole Philippine military – at least in the Navy this does not work and maybe in the Air Force.
I agree. This “mistah culture”, myth or not, is an aberration not unlike patronage politics that becomes a force for the ‘ungood’.
Karl,
I echo Joe’s sentiment.
Ding,
Thanks.
Regarding mistah culture:
Even if my dad was a PMA yer, there is this outsider in me that agrees in what you said (5:34)that the mistah culture is like patronage politics.
KG,
Further to this, methinks fraternal associations, specially ties forged in youth and in situations were the comrades in arms are subjected to shared challenges, in life and death situations even, if harnessed properly are motive force to do good.
But they must be held in check when messianic tendencies start playing tricks with the mistahs’ brains.
Ding,
I could not agree more.
Rivalry between PMA batches… between soldiers… really sounds childish. Wish they could put aside all these “pataasan ng ihi” issues aside and just focus on serving their country.
It’s funny that these generals are fighting over command of a force that has seen better days. When was the last time they bought new jet fighters? Do they even have missile ships? How light is the Light Armored Division?
Modernization has never really taken off.
Here is part of the problem:
Let us take a look at the 2002 Budget for AFP/DND
http://karl-garcia.blogspot.com/2009/07/wrong-war-budget.html
Karl,
Interesting comment, in view of today’s news about rice purchases that some say may have dumped P 4 to 9 billion into private pockets — read that against the bleak defense operational funding.
ANY dumping of government money into private pockets has the same destructive effect. It undermines the defense of the nation.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the various terrorist elements, in total, are better funded than this . . .
Joe
More correctly, mistah culture is not just like patronage politics. It is patronage politics.
And rivalries within PMAyers are not childish – they are immature. What does a mere BS General course guarantee for a future?
Yes, which is why it is an aberration.
Politics in the military is incongruent with professionalism.
So is martial law on or off? :-)
That’s contingent on several factors, right :)
1. Would there be genuine, unmanufactured basis meeting the constitutional parameters.
2. Absent these, would the military follow illegal orders?
3. Should ML be imposed will Congress and the SCORP sustain it?
4. In the end will thew true Sovereign, the People accept it like sheep?
The mistah culture is responsible for making the whole AFP one fraternal organization among the graduates of PMA.
Allow me to share:
tutal generals na din lang ang pinaguusapan.
http://karl-garcia.blogspot.com/2009/07/too-many-generals.html
Thanks karl and I take mental note of that fact that you are a son of a Peemayer. Me I am a brother of a late one.
Prime,
Oh, I see. I am sorry to hear about your brother.
Thanks karl. My son is named Karl Andre Weil so it is hard to antangonize a karl. He he. Have a nice day.
One week late response.
Ganon ba, Prime?
Have a nice day too!
aug moon its just a rumors by some people and feeds to the news people…kakalat nga yan…wala nga tayo basehan..