Despite coup rumors, Rody still all praises for troops
President Duterte heaped praises anew on soldiers and assured them of legal protection amid claims that his critics are conspiring with some military personnel to oust him.
Speaking before the Army’s 401st Brigade in Agusan del Sur on Saturday, Duterte lauded the troops for facilitating the surrender of communist rebels, supporting his war on illegal drugs and implementing martial law in Mindanao.
“Overall, I would like to commend the men and women of the Eastern (Mindanao) Command for a wonderful performance... You have done good to the nation and I give you my salute,” the President said during his visit to Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong in Prosperidad town.
“It was only June of last year when I visited your brigade at Camp Bancasi. A year has passed and since then, I have proudly witnessed the hard work, dedication and bravery of the men and women of the 401st brigade in maintaining law and order in your operations,” he added.
Duterte reiterated his promise to protect soldiers who would face charges connected to their duty. He said performing a duty for a nation is a “noble job” so he would “not allow a single soldier to stay in prison even for one day.”
“I assure you that you are not alone in this fight. As long as you perform your mandate in accordance with law, this administration will remain steadfast in supporting your organization and provide you with the necessary tools and resources that enable you to effectively fulfill (your duty) as defenders of the nation,” Duterte said.
“If it is in the performance of your duty and you face charges, criminal and all, you need not worry. I will take the blame personally and I will protect you. And I would never, never allow you to go to jail,” he added.
Duterte’s visit to the camp came four days after he revealed that some soldiers are in cahoots with the opposition Liberal Party to overthrow him.
The military has also accused communists of hatching an ouster plot, saying they are behind “Red October,” a plan that reportedly seeks to destabilize the Duterte administration this month.
Members of the opposition and the communists have dismissed the claims as paranoia and have accused Duterte of trying to divert attention away from rising commodity prices.
Officials have expressed confidence that any plan to grab power from Duterte would not succeed because he enjoys the Filipinos’ “overwhelming support.”
Duterte also visited military camps in Cagayan de Oro and Sulu late last month.
The President said the 401st brigade’s efforts led to the surrender of more than 500 communist militias, local party members, and underground mass organization members. He also credited the military unit for the recovery of hundreds of firearms and explosives, the discovery of a number of enemy encampments and the confiscation of more than P11 million worth of shabu.
“To this day, your cooperation with concerned government agencies, especially in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, has not only made our kababayans (countrymen) safer in these challenging times, but also paved the way for the collective advancement of our communities,” Duterte said, referring to the military rule he imposed in the region after terrorists attacked Marawi City last year.