METRO MANILA PLACED ON BLUE ALERT--Oplan August Moon on?

DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF ANY INTELLIGENCE REPORT RELATING TO A POSSIBLE OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE, Mayor General Reynaldo Mapagu, chief of the AFP National Capital Region (NCR) Command placed the entire Metro Manila under BLUE ALERT.

Mapagu, A MEMBER OF PMA CLASS 1978, said that he has activated all his units and has coordinated with his mistah, PNP Director Roberto Rosales, head of the PNP National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to closely monitor movements on the ground.

"Blue alert", the second highest alert, is only hoisted when an attack is deemed "imminent."

Mapagu said he raised the alert level in anticipation of retaliatory attacks from supporters of beleaguered Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan. Today, thousands of troops surrounded the compound of the governor, possibly as a foil against those who would try to protect the governor from arrest. The governor is being blamed for the massacre which killed 62 people in one of history's worst election-related violence.

This "blue alert" is VERY SUSPICIOUS since Mapagu himself ADMITS that there is NO report even indicating that the capital is under serious attack or reports which show that groups are threatening or even planning to stage attacks.

Suspicious also since the AFP NCRCommand is the ANTI-COUP FORCE of the Arroyo administration.

Is Mapagu over-reacting or he's playing his part of the Game of the Generals?

Diffusing martial law talks

Kung gaano nila kabilis pina-init ang tungkol sa bombing, ganon din nila kabilis pinatay ang isyu. Why?



Simple---this regime is weaker than before. The situation now is actually a reverse of the previous one where the Arroyo regime gets its way whenever there's a destabilized situation. If you notice, destabilization efforts strengthen instead of weaken the regime. When it sees an occasion to use military power, this regime never hesitates. The use of military action to diffuse a supposed power grab was meant to stress authority and power over their enemies. And for every action that this regime takes to neutralize its enemies, the stronger it becomes in the minds of the people. And why is that? Because there was a perception that the regime stands on a higher moral ground than its critics. That impression leaves a lasting mark in people's minds, convincing many that being in the good side of the regime is better than risk being its enemy.

Now, it's different. People think now that this regime is out to extend its stay, whatever means possible. These talks of martial rule are starting to create an impression on the minds of the people that the regime is desperate to prolong its stay, at any cost. For the people, this is unacceptable. Filipinos can tolerate one or two terms, but another six years with Gloria? That is too much.

Advisers of Mrs. Arroyo might have realized this. That's why they made every effort to diffuse the situation. Try to look at the list of stories of both ABS-CBN and GMA---there is but casual mention of the bombings any longer. And take a hard look at the headlines tomorrow and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Likewise, the Arroyo regime might have noticed that one or two military groups or factions tried to add fire to these talks (or rumours if you believe government). Look at how NCRPO denied the presence of terrorists in Metro Manila. And see how fast government tried to impress us by arresting so-called bombing experts of the Abu Sayyaf Group. These incidents are like road shows, easy to dismantle whenever necessary.

Metro Bombings and Games of the Generals

A witty entry from BarakoJam. Let's read:

Ah, heavenly, I say, as I smell the aroma coming from my freshly brewed barako. I lighted my cigarette and inhaled the heavenly smoke. As I was about to open my Inquirer, my eyes gazed upon the headline: "AFP: Next Target Metro; Security Forces on Alert." Wow. Talk about a headline.

Thoughts suddenly raced inside my mind, probably due to nicotine and caffeine both kicking in. If they already know that these stupid terrorists are roaming the metropolis a few weeks back, why the hell did they even allow them to (1) launch their bombing attacks in both Metro Manila and Mindanao and (2) even let them sleep and rest in their safehouses. NCR Command Major General Jogy Leo Fojas (PMA Class 1976) said they already know where these terrorists are hiding. Okey. So, what will you be doing about that, Mr. General? Are you just going to watch them on CCTV, hoping to get them urinating somewhere or committing a crime before you even arrest them? What's the use of the anti-terror or Human Security Act?

Then, my eyes saw the very words of NCRPO chief Roberto Rosales (PMA Class 1978). He says that he beat Fojas to the punch by declaring red alert ahead of Fojas. What? Is this a race to impress Madame?

Then, I read the next page. Ah, so that's it. Fojas is not preparing against real terrorists. No. If what his mistah, PNP Chief Director Jesus Verzosa is to be believed, they will be doing some "sona" work, that is special clearing operations, "one or two days prior to SONA (State of the Nation Address)" in places near Congress and others where rallyists traditionally converge or come from.

So, what these esteemed gentlemen plan to do is use the law against anti charter change rallyists. That belies the real plan of Malacanang---prevent rallyists from getting their critical numbers come July 27. Why? If there's so much people chanting and shouting together in unison against cha-cha, that'll be sending the strongest possible message of condemnation against this regime.

But, no, those hawks inside the palace will not allow that. Joe de Venecia Jr. said that as early as 2007, his former friend, Mrs. Arroyo has been toying around the martial law card. Hawks who share her bed, err, mind, would fight tooth and nail, "patay kung patay", should groups move against the regime. Now, would they do the same thing now? Of course, JDV say.

Yet, look at this thing very closely. Two officials, both heads of our security agencies in all of NCR, are somewhat both breast beating. They, Fojas, a member of PMA Class 1976 and Rosales of PMA Class 1978, are both trying to impress Madame that they're capable of defending her against her enemies. Talk about doggish loyalty.

So the games of the generals are on and the play against so-called terrorists continues. And who'll suffer the most should this regime ram charter change down---you guessed it right---the people.