No destabilization plot vs PNoy - AFP

MANILA, Philippines - The military has not detected any destabilization plot among the troops and maintained that the soldiers are professional and loyal to the chain of command.

“Within the armed forces, presently there is no monitored destabilization among active members of the armed forces, there is no recruitment nor any moves within the active service to do such,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a press briefing Tuesday.

“We are confident that the level of professionalism is very high that’s why there is no news of any destabilization plot within the active service,” he added.

Zagala was asked to react to a claim by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that some retired generals associated with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are plotting against the Aquino administration.

Trillanes was quoted by GMA News as having said that former generals are meeting with active military officers to convince them to destabilize the government. The senator, one of the leaders of a failed military revolt against Arroyo, did not identify the generals.

Zagala said there is nothing wrong if active officers mingle with retired military in social gatherings.

“However, we advise our officers to be discerning,” he said.

Zagala said retired generals can now express their views on national issues, a right they regained after they bowed out of the service.

“The active (officers) also have opinions, however they should keep it to themselves. As members of the armed forces we have a mandate to fulfill and as members of the armed forces, we can just talk about it later on when we're outside the service,” he said.

“But for now, it may hamper our duties and mission if we do so.”