Intelligence officials are verifying reports that influential personalities identified with the previous Arroyo administration have been meeting to carry out a destabilization plot against the administration of President Benigno Aquino 3rd by fueling unrest and creating an environment of chaos and confusion.
Highly placed sources said that the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has been monitoring movements of these personalities, including one who is very close to former President and now Rep. Gloria Arroyo of Pam¬panga. They suspect that the group may be bankrolling the plan that ultimately seeks to weaken the present administration.
A senior intelligence official said that the plot mainly involves the heightening of tensions in Mindanao through sporadic bombings. “The plot includes fanning the anti-separatist sentiments of some Muslim groups in Mindanao,” he said.
“We have been receiving reports that [the one close to Mrs. Arroyo] has been meeting with some key personalities in the previous administration,” the official added.
Also, the intelligence community is verifying reports that former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and civil society leader Linda Montayre have been holding clandestine meetings at 1356 Dasmariñas Village in Makati City (Metro Manila).
“This is not just another desk intelligence report,” another senior intelligence officer clarified.
The Manila Times tried to reach other military officials for comment but got no response from any of them.
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