Buenaventura new Philippine Marines chief

A Philippine Marine general who played a key role in the seizure of secessionist camps in Mindanao in 2000 has been named as the new commandant of the Philippine Marines, ABS-CBN News learned Wednesday.

Major General Orlando Buenaventura, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1972, will assume the top Marine post

on September 13, replacing Vice-Brigadier General Benedicto Corona who has been acting Marine chief since last month.

Previous Marine commandant, Major General Emmanuel Teodosio, has since been designated commanding general of the Armed Forces Central Command (Centcom).

Buenaventura's previous post as deputy chief for education and training (J8), will be assumed by Brigadier General Gabriel Habacon, Task

Force Comet head and a 1973 PMA graduate.

Brig. Gen. Agustin Demaala, former commander of the Philippine Army's 604th Brigade, will take Habacon's post. In turn, Demaala's post will be assumed by Colonel Gerry Jalandoni.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/FlashNewsStory....?FlashOID=19891

http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?in...&story_id=67608


Marine chief relieved at his request
First posted 04:20pm (Mla time) Feb 26, 2006
By Joel Francis Guinto
INQ7.net, Associated Press


THE COMMANDANT of the battle-tested Philippine Marine Corps, Major General Renato Miranda, was granted relief from his post on Sunday due to "personal reasons," officials said.

Miranda personally asked for his relief during a meeting with his immediate superior, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, at Navy Headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila Sunday afternoon, Navy spokesman Captain Geronimo Malabanan said.

Miranda's deputy, Brigadier General Nelson Allaga, took over his post in an acting capacity during turnover rites at around 4:25 p.m., Malabanan said in a text message to reporters.

"General Miranda requested for his relief due to personal reasons. He filed a personal action form requesting that he be relieved," military spokesman Colonel Tristan Kison told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.

The marines were widely rumored to have been among military units involved in the coup plot against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The military said Friday it nipped the plan in the bud before it could be launched.

Kison said Miranda has not been implicated in the coup plot. He also played down widespread rumors of unauthorized troop movements and disgruntled troops pushing through with plans to withdraw support from Arroyo as they had reportedly intended to do Friday.

"Let us remain calm, there is no reason to panic," Kison said.

A Marine officer, Colonel Ariel Querubin, is being investigated for allegedly trying to convince Military Chief General Generoso Senga to withdraw support from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and join mass actions last Friday.

Army Brigadier General Danilo Lim was relieved from his post as commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment and restricted to quarters over the same allegations.

So which side is MBLT6??? kita ko kasi yung gawa nya na LVTH6s ...

^ yeah. whose side is he/she with?

it's nice to see the LVTHs "in action" earlier. :demon:

one funny thing that happened earlier was how the media consistently called the V-150 as "Simba" and the LVTH as "tanks." :armyLol:

pictures:



-- An armored personnel carrier arrives at marine headquarters in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. A marines colonel urged Filipinos to turn out en masse to protect officers implicated in a foiled coup plot after the head of the elite unit was relieved of duties Sunday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)


-- Philippine Marines secure the marine headquarters in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. A marines colonel urged Filipinos to turn out en masse to protect officers implicated in a foiled coup plot after the head of the elite unit was relieved of duties Sunday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)


-- Philippine Marines Col. Ariel Querubin, left, speaks with his superior Brig. Gen. Nelson Aliaga at the marine headquarters in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. Querubin, named by the military Friday as a key figure in plans by marine officers and their troops to withdraw support for Arroyo, said he was joining Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, who was relieved as commandant of the marines, in the marines camp chapel in a show of support. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)


-- Philippine Marines prepare to deploy following standoff at their headquarters at Ft. Bonifacio, east of Manila, due allegedly to the unannounced relief of its commander Maj.Gen.Renato Miranda Sunday Feb. 26, 2006. The headquarters was a scene of chaos Sunday as a marines colonel urged people to turn out en masse to protect officers implicated in a foiled coup plot after the head of the elite unit was relieved of duties. It was a clear sign that efforts to oust President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remained alive two days after she imposed a state of emergency. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)


-- Catholic nuns pray in front of riot police outside the Philippine Marines headquarters at Ft. Bonifacio, east of Manila, following the call by a marine colonel for the people to turn out en masse to protect officers implicated in a foiled coup plot after the head of the elite unit was relieved of duties Sunday Feb. 26, 2006. The standoff was a clear sign that efforts to oust President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remained alive two days after she imposed a state of emergency. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

i just love seeing this beauty in operation earlier today:


-- An armored personnel carrier go into the compound of marine headquarters in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. A marines colonel urged Filipinos to turn out en masse to protect officers implicated in a foiled coup plot after the head of the elite unit was relieved of duties Sunday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?in...&story_id=67630



-- Colonel Ariel Querubin © receives support from marine officer Colonel Segumallian (L) as they make their way towards Marines headquarters. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/Joel Nito


FT. BONIFACIO
Marine colonel, men mount protest
Seek public support; opposition figures gather


THE CRISIS surrounding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo deepened Sunday as opposition figures rallied to a call for support from a Marine colonel linked to a coup plot against her.

Opposition figures quickly heeded Colonel Ariel Querubin's appeal and showed up outside the Marine headquarters two days after Arroyo declared a state of emergency to forestall what she called an imminent attempt to overthrow her.

Querubin told journalists inside the Marine compound that he was protesting the resignation earlier in the day of the man in-charge of the Philippine Marines, Major General Renato Miranda.

“This is a protest at the relief of Major General [Renato] Miranda,” said Querubin when asked if he and his men were withdrawing their support from Arroyo.

Among the opposition figures seen outside the Marine camp were Arroyo's former vice president Teofisto Guingona and Congresswoman Imee Marcos, daughter of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Inside the compound, former congressman Jose Virgilio Bautista, a prominent left-wing lawyer, was seen walking next to Querubin.

"I'll wait for all the people to protect us," Querubin told journalists, saying he feared "aggression" from unspecified forces.

"There are 400 Marine officers, and a majority support us," Querubin said.

Speaking to three Marine companies in front of the headquarters building, Querubin called on his men to unite. "After this, if we are united, we will disintegrate. This is the time to unite and let us protect the people."

He appealed for support from the religious community, particularly the Catholic bishops. “ I hope the bishops will not forsake us.” At around 8 p.m. about 150 heavily armed marines were standing guard outside the Marines headquarters building. They were carrying high powered firearms of different caliber.

Miranda had likely been forced out by the government because of a meeting on Friday during which the general dissuaded him from taking his men to join an opposition rally calling for Arroyo's resignation, he said.

Miranda, who was officially replaced for "personal reasons," was believed to be still inside the building and did not speak to a large media group broadcasting live from the scene.

Querubin and two other senior officers were relieved of their posts on Friday over what the government called a coup plot by "military adventurists" in alliance with communists and members of the opposition.

Inside the Marine compound, confusion reigned as another officer, a battalion commander also angered by Miranda's sacking, lined up a platoon backed by three armored vehicles.

"We are demonstrating our anger over the sacking of our commander," shouted the lieutenant-colonel, who asked not to be named.

"Marines, don't shoot at fellow Marines," he told his men.

The Marine compound is in Fort Bonifacio, which borders the country's most exclusive housing area, including ambassadors' residences.

Brigadier-General Nelson Allaga, the freshly sworn-in replacement for Miranda as Marine commandant, told reporters Querubin was an "internal matter" and vowed to arrest any rebellious officers.

Ricardo Saludo, a senior Arroyo adviser, insisted that Querubin would be "taken into custody" and said there were "no unauthorized movements" of troops.

Earlier Sunday, Philippine authorities warned of more arrests while the opposition vowed to legally challenge emergency powers assumed by Arroyo.

"Mopping-up operations are ongoing. Individual conspirators will be prosecuted and brought to justice," presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.

On Saturday, three of Arroyo’s political nemeses including a leftist lawmaker were arrested, while nine other party-list and opposition legislators said they eluded operatives in plainclothes out to also take them.

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran was arrested as he was leaving his farmhouse just outside Manila.

Retired general Ramon Montaño, who served as security chief in metropolitan Manila in the late 1980s and publicly backed the removal of Arroyo, was arrested separately. Rex Piad, former chief of the directorial staff of the PNP, was arrested with him.

Shortly after midnight Saturday, police raided the offices of national newspaper The Daily Tribune and seized editorial materials and a bundle of newspapers headlining Arroyo's state of emergency proclamation on Friday. The paper has been under police supervision.

In Malacañang, presidential guards maintained a high alert around the presidential palace. Its main approaches had been barricaded since Arroyo declared the state of emergency on Friday.

The emergency declaration came on the eve of the 20th anniversary of a bloodless military-backed popular revolt that ended the 20-year Marcos regime.

Since the 1986 revolt, a series of coup attempts has hobbled the country.

President Joseph Estrada was overthrown in January 2001 in a bloodless army-backed popular revolt and Arroyo, his vice president, was installed as his successor.

Arroyo survived a brief military mutiny in July 2003 and overcame an impeachment complaint in the legislature last year over charges she stole the May 2004 presidential election.

http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?in...&story_id=67637


Marines holed up inside camp agree to stand down
First posted 10:39pm (Mla time) Feb 26, 2006
By Joel Francis Guinto, Alcuin Papa
Agence France-Presse, Inquirer, INQ7.net


A MARINE colonel who holed up at a military camp with a small group of armed followers Sunday to protest the relief of the Marine commandant has agreed to stand down, his new superior said.

Newly installed Philippine Marine commandant Brigadier-General Nelson Allaga and Colonel Ariel Querubin emerged together before 10 p.m. from the Marine headquarters after a standoff lasting five hours, with Allaga doing all the talking.

When a reporter attempted to ask Querubin a question, Allaga told the journalist to address all questions to him.

"I am now the commandant. We talked inside. Ariel is not the authority here. I am the authority. The Philippine Marine Corps is intact … The Marines are united,” Allaga told reporters.

"We follow the chain of command. We follow the duly constituted authority," he added.

He said they would take orders from the Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga.

Allaga said the Marine Corps would not be influenced by politicians.

Querubin and his men have agreed to recognize Allaga as their new commandant, according to Captain Geronimo Malabanan, Navy spokesman.

"As far as the Philippine Navy is concerned, the crisis is over… They were ordered to return to barracks," Malabanan said in a phone interview.

When asked what action would be taken against Querubin, Malabanan said: "That will be the decision of General Allaga."

Malabanan could not elaborate on the negotiations that led to the end of the standoff.

Allaga would also not spell out the punishment to be imposed on Querubin and his men, who had called for civilian support and admitted that they planned to join an opposition rally demanding President Gloria Arroyo's resignation.

"That's among us soldiers," the general said. "You don't have to know about that."

"This is an agreement among men. We are professional soldiers," he said.

After he spoke, armored troop transports that ringed the building during the standoff were seen pulling out.

It was the armor and recon Bn that diffused the stand off. The LVTH6, V-150s and Force recon of CSS Brigade moved in to deter the company of MBLT2 that supported Col Querubin. The new Comdt a native of Ifugao proved his mettle later when he excerted his influence and command on the erring company and the rest of its unit. The media misconceived the movement of the Armor and recon bn to be in support of Col Querubin but was a mere standoff where both armor and recon will surely prevail - allowing negotiation to our favor. Gen Miranda the former commandant who in my presence attempted to move PMRF in support of withdrawing support to GMA last friday tried to salvage his career with this fiasco is lamentable. The move today took advantage of the change of command in absence of clear guidelines by the incoming was initiated by the outgoing commandants personal and central staff that knew only personal loyalty and not the institution in which it stands for. We as a corps will have to learn from such experience.

I am glad to hear that, from among the people i respect and knew who are principled and just, Sir.

May your actions and standpoint resound in your men's own.

May it also rest in the hearts and minds of your fellows and all the men in the Marine Corps.

Setting aside personal goals and personal loyalty for the sake of the nation, which the larger majority that is composed of helpless civilians and the rest of the men from the military, depend on is the manifestation of a noble service to the nation.

That's what soldiery is all about. Is it not?

but still, i'm wondering why remove Miranda at such a volatile time with no formal turnover? is there any proof beyond reasonable doubt that can link Miranda to the possible coup? :dunno:

it's nice to hear from mblt6 again. a :salute: to the professionalism of the Marines.

Good for the Marines Sir MBLT6.

I just hope you guys don't let yourselves to be used. Kitang-kita naman na scripted ang events. From the text brigades, to personalities and prayer groups. Still, many missed the atmosphere of EDSA I. But sad to say they are making a joke out of it. They are destroying that sacred spirit that brought our nation pride.

Next thing you will hear they would brand you names such as loyalist, pros, cons, etc.
Be for the people and the nation and not to a few who feels that they are the only ones with the priviledge to make noise.

I dont know but as i see it... , since the report said it's a personal decison, it's either Miranda didnt want to taint his record --- believing that he might be requested to take part in the coup, either to join or quash the mutineers--- because the reason for supporting the coup is unclear and that he is nearing retirement anyway....

... or Malacanang ordered his relief to preempt the plotters.

Whatever the reason was, Gen. Miranda AND COL QUERUBIN, should have remained calm.

Why? The situation is not normal. Any change in leadership initaited by the higher authorities, especially Malacanang should be construed, being soldiers, as an action deemed necessary to protect national security.

They are soldier's and not princes who deserve fancy turnover ceremonies IN TIMES OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY.

Unless, they have other reasons.

It's just my view though.

flipzi, what just happened yesterday was a sad reminder of the Armed Forces of the Philippines being reduced as a mere pawn of the administration and opposition politicians. the brave, non-aligned soldiers cannot speak for themselves because they are being controlled by their superiors who are puppets of the politicians. :armyroleyes:

If it's "being the pawn of the administration" then it's tolerable and understandable. The Commander in Chief, the President, is a politician and so is Sec. Cruz.

Following or supporting the incumbent does not imply taking sides. It's just that the law tells you so.

But being that of the opposition is a different thing. If one is so, and he takes actions just to support the opposition, who normally and oftentimes just want to shake the incumbent, THEN IT SHOULDNT BE TOLERATED BY THE PUBLIC.

That's where the taking sides in politics hits the red mark.

SOLDIERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE RULE OF LAW AND PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION. Following or supporting the incumbent is required by law.

Taking the other side or that of the opposition is opposing of the law.

I agree. We cant blame the subordinates if they follow their officers, even when it is wrong to do so. The only option is to either go AWOL or leave the service.

But if you are pertaining to Gen. Lim and Col. Querubin, i believe they are wrong because they failed to consider the real pulse of the majority.

They only considered the noisy communists groups and some sectors in our society and the selfish and ambitious politicians.

The businessmen don't want a coup, ...

... so are the silent majority,

... the workers in many offices who are contributing their part for our nation's growth,

... and the people like us.

It seems like the coup plotters failed to heed the majority's view on this issue.

the soldiers shouldn't be loyal to any politician or party, even to the President of the Philippines. they should be loyal to the Constitution and to the Filipino people.

again, let me reiterate this. the AFP has been reduced to a mere pawn by the administration and opposition politicians that can be manipulated any time to their favor. it is time to end it... the non-aligned officers should step forward, defy the system, overthrow the system and finally start much needed change in this country.


so much for the bullsh!t system that some members of the forum have been defending so much.

Are you sure that when you overthrow the current one, the one that will take over will not manipulate the AFP?

They even support cha-cha at times when our current pool of politicians and environment are not suited for it.

If these destabilizers can manipulate the AFP now, how much more when they are finally in control?

Kicking out the incumbent is not the lasting solution. What we need is to help the incumbent set up a much more corrupt-free system before she steps out.

ARE YOU SURE IT WILL BE THE END OF IT ... OR THE START OF A MUCH WORSE SYSTEM?

END ALL THIS NOW!

GO BACK TO WORK AND STOP DISTURBING THE NATION!

there's no hope in the Filipino civilian (of course, the politicians are civilians) simply because they are the authors of the ill system that is currently victimizing Inang Bayan. i know some officers of the AFP themselves have been corrupted by the system but the majority are principled and patriotic enough that they are the only hopes of our ailing nation.


i will not stop supporting or even calling for a military uprising until i see a sincere effort of the Filipino civilian to change himself.

The problem is not just the civilians.

The problem is perplexed with ...

... a govt system that needs to be fixed (not changed),

... the current pool of politicians composed of greedy and ambitious retards,

... the communist and seccessionist rebels (that is trying to take advantage of these coups),

... poverty,

... disgruntled soldiers,

... patriots who have their claws sunk in deep in our mass media networks who are confused about how to fix it or who the real enemies are,

... and most of all, the real enemies of the state who either can't seem to have enough of the presidency or can't forget accepting the fact that he cant be the president.

See now how complex it is?

Supporting a coup will only make things worse.

We may lost some other grounds but if we can at least let the economy move on, i believe, later on or eventually, we can regain all of what we've compromised just to let one vital part win through.

So brothers and sisters, think about it.

Let's just go back to work to support the economy and STOP DISTURBING OUR NATION.

i just can't stop asking this to myself: Why is the Filipino still in denial in terms of accepting the fact that HE IS THE PROBLEM of the Philippines? :armyroleyes:

Who is that HE?

Erap, FVR, Gringo, Joma, you or me?

BTW, the people who stayed home instead of joining the rallyists composed almost of groups linked with the reds tell us that people like you who are disturbing the country .... should stop.

Businessmen, and the people who are doing their job, working to support the economy, are among them.

So, who are the ones who really love this nation?

THE PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS JOIN ACTIONS THAT DISTURB THE NATION ...

.. OR THE PEOPLE DOING THEIR BEST TO PROPEL THE NATION ... IN A PEACEFUL AND EFFECTIVE MEANS?

HE meaning the FILIPINO himself.

why blame the political establishment for the culture of graft and corruption and failure of leadership and service? why blame the economy for poverty? why blame the society for its flaws?

who elects the officials to government? who runs the government? who participates in economic activities? who comprises the society?

what we have in this country nowadays is but a reflection of what kind of people we are. face it. Filipinos are corrupt, inept, dishonest, lazy, visionless and unpatriotic.


so, stop saying that the "destabilizers" (which is honestly a monster made by the civilian regime itself) are causing the malaise that this country is facing.


we are peace-loving citizens but WE ARE FOR CHANGE, NO MATTER HOW RADICAL IT IS, even if it means killing other Filipinos to achieve long-term oolitical, economic, social and moral stability for this country.

Peace loving? Killing other Filipinos? :dontgetit: And yet you don't want to be dictated upon. Wala ka nga sa puesto but you're acting that you control the whole country. Your kind are dangerous. The kind that other Filipinos wish to ... KILL.

Think before you speak my friend. Sayang naman mga ideas mo.

israeli,


Yun na nga.

We all DESIRE A GENUINE CHANGE.

PERO BAKIT PA TAYO KAKAPIT SA DAHAS AT MAGULONG PARAAN EH SAMANTALANG MAYRUON NAMANG MAPAYAPANG AT ... MAS EPEKTIBONG SOLUSYUN?

Think about this. Our economy was already gaining grounds. Then as it seemed, when they (whoever they are) sensed that the economic gains will oversahdow the destabilizers efforts, they decided to give it another RUTHLESS try once more.

Now, who is REALLY HELPING THE COUNTRY FAIL and WHO ARE REALLY HELPING THE NATION SUCCEED?

We can get the needed change. There are several options to achieve that.

But let's not take the one that will further create more hardships in the process.

That is what these PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY HELPING THE NATION TO SUCCEED are asking our soldiers.

Stop hurting the economy.

We can change things in a much better and more peaceful way.

saver111: i believe in the concept of a necessary evil. yes, i know killing other Filipinos is not peaceful and will surely compromise my ideas for a better Philippines but then having a significant portion of the population- those who are the cause of the degradation of Philippine society and those who are not helping this country to mature- eliminated will be beneficial for the country in the long-run.

remember the French Revolution? the execution of the elite and the religious may have been a violent episode that could be condemned by the entire world but such violence lead to long-term stability for France.

my logic there is why leave your future on your fellow Filipinos who have been detrimental to the maturity and stability of your country. these Filipinos should be eliminated... we must start anew and those resistant to change should be wiped off from the face of the earth.


this idea was not entirely mine. in fact, one sociologist also suggested the elimination of a significant number of the population- those he identified as detrimental to the development and maturity of the nation- in order to start a new Philippines.

:dontgetit:
So, who are detrimental to the growth of the nation?

How about those who burn down communication towers and attack govt facilities and even extort money from people?

Do you wanna kill them? Can you? Or what do you really mean?

How about those politicians who were implicated in a lot of corruptions like PEA-Amari and Centennial Expo scams and other things?

Do you wanna kill them? Can you? Or what do you really mean?

How about those politicians who have done nothing but ruin the nation's stability just for personal ambition?

Do you wanna kill them? Can you? Or what do you really mean?

How about the businessmen who asked our soldiers to stop ... ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO BE USED BY SELFISH POLITICIANS?

Do you wanna kill the businessmen?

How about the other people who wanted a peaceful resolution of all conflicts to prevent bloodshed,..... like saver, me, wushu, mblt6, the SILENT MAJORITY and the rest of the Army, PNP, Navy and Marines who have remained apolitical and are holding on to protecting the constitution?

Do you wanna kill us?


SO, WHO'S MINDSET IS WRONG NOW,....

... OURS

... OR THOSE LIKE YOURS?

See the change in the Filipinos that we badly need now?

Do you see them now?

Dont you see one in you?

^ those who defend the status quo SUCH AS YOURSELF and those who are in a state of denial in terms of accepting the truth that the Filipino is the problem of the Philippines are the ones detrimental to the development of the Philippines.

i will not have this line of thinking towards reforming and restoring the Philippines if not for people like you and a significant chunk of the population. :armyroleyes:

I don't know about you guys but I really can't support the "very brave" president who said "I am sorry" on national television but continued with her vengeful and oppressive leadership. I believe that an MOV awardee Marine Colonel and an SR General have the country's welfare on their minds when they make important decisions rather than the one who declared a state of emergency to protect her own interest.

For once, Cory is right in saying that the president should make a sacrifice for the country's welfare. El Tabako had a point when he said they never declared a state of emergency in Cory's time while Gringo and his group were staging bloody coups. It is the Marine Colonel and the SR General who made the sacrifice when they instead allowed themselves to be taken in custody eventhough they knew that they have men under them who are willing to fight for them.

The only reason why the majority of the citizenry are not joining the street protests yet is that its not clear who will replace the current president and if there is someone who really has the political will to turn this nation around and the balls to back it up. I guess the same goes within the AFP.

Meanwhile, let us all pretend that everything is ok and it all ends well. Damn, it's like hoping that no other country will try to trample on our sovereignty while we still don't have the capability to thwart external threats. :demon:

But what if those that would implement it includes you as one to be executed?

so be it. unlike most Filipinos, i am willing to sacrifice my life for the good of this country. Filipinos just don't give a damn on the welfare of the country for as long as they are not affected. Filipinos are selfish and unpatriotic. that's the truth.

If it's really for the good of the country, why will I be afraid to die? Anyone will sacrifice his/her life if he/she is sure it would result to a better life for his family, let alone, a nation. Dying for a worthy cause is what a normal person would prefer than to live a long life taking s@#t.

Wouldn't you be willing to die also if you believe in something or if the chinks suddenly invade this country?

mblt6,

you, sir, have earned, at least with this jaded civilian, my gratitude and honest admiration in showing honor and courage in this trying time for the republic..... people will look back and say "now THAT is how a true marine should act".... your action, together with that of senga, will be seen as one of the few beacons of true professionalism in our decaying armed forces.......


israeli,

i am sick and tired of your whining and griping and blaming..... i respect your opinions.... but i draw the line when it comes to your preaching of the violent overthrow of the civilian government by killing and destroying and then installing your so-called "third force" as our new government.....

who are you and your group to impose upon us your naive, narrow-minded, historically-bereft, narcissistic, violently fascist, view of utopia?

who are you to fan the fires that people like yourself started and are now threatening to engulf us all?

Wushu: the Philippines is like a sick man who is on the brink of death. an injection of medicine maybe painful but it is the only way for him to cheat death and be cured of his disease.

that is the same thing that must happen to the Philippines. the Philippines, whether you deny it or not, is bedridden with cancer and on the brink of death. the people continue to suffer because of the status quo but instead of fighting the status quo, they opt to just be silent due to the benefits that they get from it. the people are resistant to change and they condemn those who seek change like vagabonds in a country and society that embraces corruption, dishonesty, lack of vision and unpatriotism.

the kind of change that must happen in the Philippines may reign in violence and will surely cause the deaths of some Filipinos but such violence and loss of lives are nothing compared to the long-term political, economic, social and moral stability that the Philippines will achieve should change take root in this nation that embraces corruption and lack of love of country.

the fire of change has been there for a long time. you people who defend the status quo as desperately trying to douse with water to kill it because you know that when change happens, you will never benefit from it and that your lives will never be like a bed of roses similar to the lives that you have under the status quo.

Yes, the Philippines is sick. however, one shot in the arm is not enough. It has to be taken in continuous doses.

We've had taken that medicine on at least 2 occassions - during the first EDSA Revolution 20 years ago to boot Marcoses and the other 5 years later to boot Erap. Unfortunately, we were blinded by our euphoria do not take our medicine regularly which was why we've had serious relapses until the condition became much worse.

We Filipinos need to be vigilant and keep the act together to achieve the stability and prosperity we and our forefathers had long hoped for

Guys, there are other issues here.

If we will fail to check on this, then like EDSA 2, the offshoot will be another desease that we will have to find a cure.

I believe it will be safer if we take this case instead.

Is it really the problem and this coup is the cure?

For Marcos' case maybe. But this time, we need to check on what has turned EDSA 1 a medium for blunder instead.

The issue here is power grab and protection of interest by kicking out the incumbent who becomes a hindrance to one's goal..... JUST LIKE THE CASE OF ERAP then.

YES. JUST LIKE THE CASE OF ERAP.

Do we want a repeat of EDSA2?

The best thing here is to give PGMA more time to make up for her mistake. Then after a year or so, we can measure how serious she's worked on this.

If she will satisfy what we want her to achieve, then let's give her more time.

If she will fail our expectations then let's try to consider the other options.

For now, it is best that we give her more time.

Israeli,

I think I see your point of a violent method of cleansing the perceived ills of society- its like undergoing the American Civil War just to instill the pain and horrors of war to cleanse and correct the system. You even cited the French revolution as an example.

With such line of thinking, it appears you have lost all hope of a rational and civilized manner of solving the problem. But what is the assurance that after the violence you espouse, the country or whats left of it will improve for the better? Do you mean to say a mistake can correct another mistake?

Your other posts also show that you enjoy seeing the military stuff in action - that, mixed with a desire for violence shows your inner violent nature. You know, it is really easy to speak of all of this change through violent means, and agitation ( sorry for the word) of military intervention but on a personal note, have you ever PERSONALLY felt the pain and hardship of suffering in conflict, if not on your persona, to your loved ones? Yes, the interest of the nation is important as you say than of personal interests as Filipinos are greedy,etc. But if you have a negative reply to my question, do you really think you will be ready to face the fact of death and destruction to you or those who may matter for you? You had said you are ready to die for the good of this country. There are other ways to be of service to this country than offering ones life, unless it is inherent in your vocation to do so ( as in the military personnel). If you really are so hell bent on being part of violence to help cleanse this country, then put your thoughts into action- ika nga, magpakatotoo ka.

Violence is just one of the ways to resolve conflicts. We proclaim we are rational, civilized, and even professional individuals ( seal ng UP pa nga yata ang avatar mo nuon sa kabilang forum di ba?) yet in your case, your declarations do not support such notion. Use your skills, talents and knowledge in a constructive way to help impart change- positive change which you seek for, than espousing violence, death and destruction- after all, in war there are no winners.

Ex-Marine commandant bares disappointment

The former commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps on Monday broke his silence for the first time and said that he is very much disappointed over the circumstances that led to his removal from the post on Sunday, TV Patrol World reported.

Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda told TV Patrol World that he personally asked to be relieved as Corps commandant. However, the Marine general said the decision was triggered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' loss of confidence in him.

Miranda said feelings were low because the military leadership doubted his capability to lead the Corps.

The general said the issue began after a senior Marine officer, Col. Ariel Querubin, told him of his plan to join last week's rallies in commemoration of the EDSA People Power 1 Revolution.

Miranda said Querubin tried to persuade him to join the march and withdraw his support from President Arroyo. Instead of joining the planned protest, Miranda said he convinced Querubin to stop it.

He said negotiations between him and Querubin started last Thursday midnight and ended the following morning.

"It took me until 6 a.m. to convince them not to. Very hard ang mga taong ito (These people are battle-hardened). I reminded [Querubin] of my pronouncement: No Marine should decide unilaterally if it affects the Corps," Miranda said.

Following negotiations, Querubin convinced other junior Marine officers and personnel to scrap the planned march.

The AFP, however, already knew of the planned protest and recommended that Querubin be relieved of his command as chief of the 1st Marine Brigade. Miranda said he opposed this.

"He already [swallowed his pride]. The fact that nobody went there, he did his homework. I'm sure he convinced the others not to join kasi kung hindi may two or ten Marines dun (If he failed, there would have been Marines there). There was no Marine in EDSA at that time," Miranda said.

Word spread

The general thought that the issue had been resolved. This was until Navy flag officer in-command, Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, asked him to report to his office on Sunday.

Miranda said he was informed during the meeting that the Navy was planning to relieve him of his Marine command. He said the plan was connected to Querubin's idea of joining the rallies last week.

Miranda said he thought the leadership already lost confidence in him and has started to doubt his loyalty. He decided to resign.

"I'm ready to clear myself in all aspects. I don't want to clear myself in public. Hindi maganda (It's not right)," Miranda said.

"I filed [the personal action form] myself. I have my reasons," he said.

Word of Miranda's decision broke out past 3 p.m. Sunday. It was confirmed by the Navy an hour later.

The Navy said Miranda personally requested his relief as Marine commandant.

When Querubin got wind of the situation, he went to the Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio to face mediamen and state disbelief over Miranda's sudden removal as Corps commandant.

Another Marine, Lt. Col. Archie Segumalian, joined Querubin to support Miranda.

The standoff ended past 10 p.m. after negotiations between junior Marine officers and their new commandant, Brig. Gen. Nestor Allaga, came through with a resolution.

Surprised

On Monday, Miranda said he was surprised by the reactions of Querubin and the other officers.

"I was surprised [that] they will do that for me, but it wasn't for me, it was for the institution. Even if it wasn't me it [would have had happened]," Miranda said.

After being Corps commandant, Miranda said he is ready for a new assignment. Allaga, however, has yet to announce a new posting for Miranda.

The former commandant said he has filed for a one-month leave of absence and assured Allaga of his support for the institution to unite the Marines. He will also respect Allaga, Miranda added.

"The organization will be nothing if you divide the Marines. There was a time during the 1989 coup, one Marine killed another Marine. We should never experience that in the future," Miranda said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=31231

:salute:

Israeli is a patriot. His ideology maybe twisted in our opinion but I respect him for that, that is the beauty of democracy. I admit there are times when I wanted to shoot him myself :drunk:

I would not be surprised if in his past life, he was once a NAZI storm trooper! Joke!

"The organization will be nothing if you divide the Marines. There was a time during the 1989 coup, one Marine killed another Marine. We should never experience that in the future," Miranda said.

From Manokski's orbat:
... like a lot of Marine equipment, has the latin phrase "Nunquam Iterum" painted on the side of the side of its split trailing arm - "Never Again".


Does Col Querubin understand the phrase "Nunquam Iterum" ? Does he live by it? Does it have any real meaning to it or its just plain words to him? War hero or not, he's nothing but another military prostitute like San Juan and others. Nag-papagamit sa mga buwitreng TRAPO!! They bent over and even allied with commie scums. Now they are all F*&%$#ed up inside and out.

LEAVE THE PMC ALONE!!!!

Nunquam Iterum :werock:

Israeli is entitled to his own swift idea of instilling reforms. We cannot blame him for lossing patience for witnessing all sorts of unabated and tolerated scandals of the regime and all the mayheem that involved the military these days.

Indeed I am prepared to agree with him that tolerance has been nurtured so long a period of time that made this country a fallen prey to an acute social ills and economic cancer perpetuated by corrupt past & present regime that a slow dose of treatment is not the remedy. Or in other words it needs a highly invasive form of surgery. :drunk: