Chronology of a Conspiracy
From this, one can easily deduce who will be arrested in the forthcoming days.
Proclamation No. 1017 was issued to thwart a conspiracy to overthrow the government among the communist rebel movement, certain military officers, and some members of the opposition. The following is a chronology of events leading to the proclamation of a state of national emergency:
BEFORE THE WEEK OF 19-25 FEBRUARY 2006
Anti-Arroyo Groups Planned Massive Protests
• The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directed front organizations to stage mass protests on 24 February, with 5,000 participants from Metro Manila and 25,000 from nearby provinces.
• CPP-linked groups mount lightning rallies from 17 to 22 February. In recent weeks, CPP’s New People’s Army intensify attacks on government troops.
• Bayan Muna leader Cong. Satur Ocampo said the aims of the protests is to coalesce with other anti-Arroyo groups, including the pro-Estrada and Hyatt 10 camps; and establish a renewed relationship with former president Cory Aquino.
• On 20 February in Alex Grill, Matalino St., Quezon City, the Black and White Movement, Akbayan, and other anti-Arroyo groups announced plans to march 20,000 protesters on 22 February around Metro Manila, converge at the People Power Monument on 23 February, and possibly move to Mendiola on 24 February.
• Pro-FPJ groups under Susan Roces declared that they would join anti-Arroyo protests on 24 February, at the People Power Monument and Mendiola.
• Pro-Estrada/FPJ supporters hold daily vigils and masses at the People Power Monument since 12 February.
Emerging Alliance Between Rebel Soldiers and Communist Insurgents
• On 17 January, four officers among the Magdalo group on trial for the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, escaped military custody.
• New People’s Army spokesman Ka Roger Rosal offered sanctuary to the four escaped Magdalo rebel soldiers.
• A captured document titled “Oplan Hackle” detailed plans for bombings and attacks starting on the Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming on 18 February.
• The Hackle document also included a plan to spring more Magdalo soldiers.
• On 21 February, one of the escaped soldiers, Lt. Lawrence San Juan, was arrested while plotting with two NPA figures in a communist safehouse in Batangas province.
• Documents of the Magdalo-NPA meeting were captured and would be declassified.
23 FEBRUARY / THURSDAY
Plot to Oust President Arroyo
• In an evening meeting at the home of former congressman Peping Cojuangco, Cory Aquino’s brother, businessmen and mid-level officials plotted moves to bring down the Arroyo government.
• As reported by Time Magazine, longtime Arroyo critic Pastor “Boy” Saycon called someone whom he identified as a U.S. official about his group’s plans if President Arroyo is ousted.
• Saycon also phoned a man code-named Delta, whom Saycon identified as B/Gen. Danilo Lim, commander of the Army’s elite Scout Rangers. Lim said it was “all systems go” for the planned movement against President Arroyo.
• According to Saycon, Time reported, a military component was to march on Friday morning to the EDSA Shrine, near the People Power Monument where protests were to converge.
• At the Shrine, Time said, the troops would be met by Catholic bishops and a Marine general. The general would read a statement withdrawing support from the Arroyo government.
Threat to the Military Chain of Command
• Late that afternoon, meanwhile, B/Gen. Lim and Marine brigade commander Col. Ariel Querubin told AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Generoso Senga that restive young officers and soldiers planned to join rallies on 24 February, so as to provide critical mass and the armed component to the protests.
• Lim and Querubin said they might not be able to dissuade these troops from their plan, and there were indications that the two may also join them.
• After Lim and Querubin left, Gen. Senga discussed the problem with the Army, Navy and Air Force commanding generals.
• Lim and Querubin were called to join the top-brass meeting and advised to stop troops from joining the protests, but they did not seem willing to do so.
• After Lim and Querubin left, Gen. Senga and the major service commanders took steps to secure the AFP chain of command and its loyalty to the duly constituted government.
• They called all major military commanders in the country.
• Navy chief Adm. Mateo Mayuga spoke with the Marines.
• At Gen. Senga’s advice, Lim submitted to the AFP Chief of Staff’s custody.
Suspicious Actions at PNP Special Forces
• On 23 February, residents near Camp Sto. Domingo, base of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) were told to take precautions because some SAF elements were planning to defect
.
• PNP Chief Gen. Arturo Lomibao asked SAF commander Gen. Franco about SAF situation and told him to disavow any SAF defection.
• Franco issued statement. He was later relieved without incident, along with two other SAF officials.
24 FEBRUARY / FRIDAY
• By early morning on Friday, 24 February, all military commanders and forces were accounted for and solidly behind the chain of command.
• While the situation was under control, in Gen. Senga’s assessment, it was still fluid and could change.
• The AFP leadership meets daily to assess the situation and take necessary action.
• The military has also embarked on a campaign to enhance the troops’ allegiance to constitutional government, and their understanding of the national situation.
Advised of the foregoing military and civilian developments, the President and the Cabinet decided on the morning of Friday, 24 February, to issue Proclamation 1017.
transcription by Punzi @ 7:57 AM
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