Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today briefed the diplomatic corps on the recent mutiny staged by a group of young military officers in Makati City yesterday.

In his remarks before the attendees of the briefing, the Secretary said that “it was the President’s firm leadership and resolve that ended the crisis.”

“It will be that very leadership that we will turn to and it will be that leadership that will make the difference, as we move past yesterday’s events, as we overcome the setbacks of military misadventure, as we build on our collective aspiration for political stability and economic growth and as we continue to remain dedicated to our democracy and freedom,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary also expressed his appreciation for the support given by foreign governments during the Makati mutiny.  He said that their gestures signify their commitment to democracy and to their relations with the Philippines.    The Secretary mentioned that the statements of support of foreign governments helped to reinforce the fact that the rebels could expect nothing but isolation and indifference from the international community.

“Yesterday, you and your countries helped shield our democracy from danger.  I was touched and moved by the personal messages that I received. Your phone calls and faxes, particularly the phone calls from your ministers, fuelled our resolve and gave us great comfort at a time of crisis,” the Secretary said.

The diplomats expressed their solidarity, saying that the Philippine government’s peaceful resolution of the incident was a triumph of democracy.  They also lauded the Department of Foreign Affairs for continuously keeping them informed of developments.

The briefing was also attended by Ambassador and Chief Negotiator Roy Cimatu, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Rodolfo Garcia, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, and representatives from the Philippine National Police who assured the Ambassadors and other Embassy officials present that the crisis is definitely over and that the peace and order situation had return to normal.

In response to a query from the Spanish Ambassador on whether the Philippine government had knowledge of other groups which could turn against the government, Lt. Gen. Garcia confirmed that the AFP chain of command remains intact and that the group of soldiers which staged the Makati mutiny is the only one which had plots against the government.

The mutiny, according to Garcia, has not affected morale in the military.
He went on to say that the dissident soldiers, who will be subjected to joint court martial proceedings, have been brave enough to face the consequences of their actions.

The diplomats were assured the Philippine Government, particularly the police and military, will continue to cooperate with the foreign missions to ensure the security of their establishments and personnel.  END