‘Recruitment’ within Rangers ranks under close watch

Authorities may have claimed the threat against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been diminished with the arrest of six Magdalo fugitives, but the commander of the Army’s elite Scout Ranger unit is still keeping a close eye on “recruitment" operations. Col. Reynado Mapagu, chief of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) based in San Miguel town in Bulacan province, said Monday that keeping tabs on recruitment activities is part of his “eternal vigilance." “It’s just part of eternal vigilance. We know there are vested groups and individuals who want to bring down the government. So far, I have not seen any recruitment activity under my watch," Mapago told radio station DZRH in an interview. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1978, Mapagu replaced Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim who was sacked shortly after authorities got wind of his plan to lead other Army and Marine soldiers in withdrawing support from Mrs. Arroyo on February 24. Lim is an honorary member of Mapagu’s class, having been a product of the US Military Academy class of 1978. Lim is to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with the video aired last week showing him reading his withdrawal of support from the President. At least three soldiers clad in combat uniforms were shown standing behind Lim. Despite the February 24 incident, Mapagu said the Ranger troops’ morale remained “high," focusing their efforts instead in fighting the enemies of the state, particularly the communist New People’s Army (NPA). “They are much more focused now and you can see their dedication and passion," Mapagu said. Likewise, they continue to conduct “troop information and education" to prevent “misguided elements" from swaying the other members. “Compared to those implicated in the plot, the strength of the Scout Rangers is such that most of them remain loyal to the chain of command," Mapagu stressed. - GMANews.TV