Philippine military on red alert before Arroyo's foreign trip

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Philippine military on red alert before Arroyo's foreign trip

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) enhanced Tuesday its alert status to the highest level, fearing untoward events during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's five-day US and European trip starting Wednesday.

Soldiers have already secured the main base of the AFP headquarters in a Manila suburb, AFP Public Information Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lucero said, adding that the red alert status took effect as it was announced.

AFP "Task Force Libra" had been also ordered to be re-activated to respond to any eventuality. The task force was deployed to deal with the failed mutiny on July 27 this year, and the siege of the presidential palace on May 1, 2001.

AFP Chief of Staff General Narciso Abaya said the military's declaration of a red alert Monday was meant to ensure there would be no untoward incident while the president was on a two-day inspection tour of Mindanao in the south.

Abaya noted that President Arroyo need not worry about the stability of her government when she sets on a week-long visit to Europe and the United States since the country will be in "safe hands."

Officials said the military has not monitored any soldier planning to create any incident similar to that of the July 27 mutiny.

Lieutenant General Rodolfo Garcia, AFP vice chief and spokesman, said it is very unlikely that soldiers will be mounting another uprising, noting that its men are already consolidated.

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