Commanders of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division and Police Regional Office 6 yesterday re-affirmed their "unwavering support" to the government of President Arroyo and to strictly follow the chain of command, following a coup attempt the military claims to have foiled yesterday.

However, soldiers in Negros were placed on heightened alert, not because of the "events" in Metro Manila, but for the possibility that lawless groups may take advantage of the situation, Maj. Lyndon Sollesta, Army regional spokesman said.

Regional police director Doroteo Reyes yesterday ordered police commanders in Western Visayas to ensure an accounting and consolidation of their forces.

Reyes also ordered the arrest of persons who may recruit PNP members to join the destabilization effort against the government. " Stay on post, check and challenge any unauthorized movements of troops," he said.

Sollesta, echoing the guidance issued by Maj.Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, 3rd ID commanding general, reminded soldiers of their sacred oath to safeguard the republic, and to fight all forces, be it foreign or domestic, who tend to destroy the freedom and democracy enjoyed by the people. Brig. Gen. Danny Lim, commanding general of the elite Army's Scout Ranger Regiment, who was among those identified as leaders of the failed coup attempt, is now being restricted at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Col. Gregorio Fajardo, Task Force Panay commander, said forces of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion stationed in Panay, remain intact.

Lt. Col. Norman Flores, 61st Infantry Battalion commander, said the "events" in Metro Manila have no effect on the conduct of an anti-insurgency drive in southern Negros.

"We are fully supporting our chain of command., and will remain loyal to our commander-in-chief," Flores, whose area of operations cover the whole southern Negros, said.

Lt. Col. Jess Manangquil, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said their state of morale remains high.

"Our troops fully understand that as a soldier, they should be apolitical and must not participate in any political undertaking," he said.*GPB

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