Magdalo still pushing plan to overthrow Arroyo gov't - PNP

The Magdalo group composed of rebel soldiers who staged the failed 2003 Oakwood mutiny is still not giving up on its plan to overthrow the Arroyo administration, according to Avelino Razon Jr, chief of the Philippine National Police. GMA News on Monday quoted Razon as saying that Magdalo members continue their meetings about moves to destabilize the government. The PNP chief said that authorities uncovered a document from two soldiers, which came from Magdalo. The said document was allegedly describing how plots against the Arroyo administration would be carried out by Magdalo soldiers. He said that 10 of the Magdalo soldiers that were earlier released from detention have a direct hand in the alleged ouster plot. "I think we’re monitoring a group of about 10, (who) continue to espouse plans to overthrow the government" said Razon, when asked how many of the 53 officers were still supportive of the Magdalo group. Asked what was the instruction given by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the matter, Razon said: "“Well, (we should) continue to monitor the situation and prevent these groups from carrying out their activities." There were reports that the lingering threats of destabilization were among the factors that could make Mrs Arroyo decide to extend the term of Hermogenes Esperon Jr as chief of the AFP. He is due to retire next month. In a related development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday informed President Arroyo that a group of civilians might still be enticing military officers to overthrow her administration. “There's still possibility that there are groups from the civilian sector who are enticing some of our soldiers to participate in destabilization effort," said Lt. Bartolome Bacarro, AFP public information chief. - GMANews.TV