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Ilang senior military officers ang nag-iisip na umanong magbitiw ngayon sa kanilang mga puwesto bilang protesta sa polisiya ng administrasyon sa CPP-NPA at MILF. Sinasabing masakit din ang kanilang loob lalo’t tila kinampihan pa ng pangulo ang MILF sa command conference kahapon.

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If the soldiers continue to think that the President is a weakling because of his stand to continue with the ceasefire agreement despite the Moros’ intransigence, I hate to see the outcome.

Vice President Jojo Binay, who’s a colonel in the Marine reserve, is just waiting in the wings—if you know what I mean.

And, of course, you know what I mean if you’re wise enough to read between the lines.

God bless the Philippines if what most perceptive Filipinos fear would come true!

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There is widespread demoralization in the ranks within the Armed Forces because of a perception by soldiers, rightly or wrongly, that they are being fed to the dogs.

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Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on Saturday called for a review of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF in light of recent clashes involving government troops and the largest Muslim rebel group.

“I strongly urge that we revisit the terms of the ceasefire agreement with the MILF. We should be very clear about accountabilities,” Binay said a press statement.

“Those who violate it should be punished. There should be greater candor, acceptance of responsibilities and a display of good faith,” he said.

Binay, who is in Bangkok for the Asia Pacific Regional Scout committee meeting, said he is “deeply disturbed” by the recent incidents in Mindanao.

“The lives of gallant soldiers and policemen have been lost and I offer my deepest condolences to their families,” he said.

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Biazon and Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, however, said they do not see any demoralization within the AFP.

“They (troops) are sad but sadness does not necessarily translate to demoralization, which affects their performance. But our troops have been performing their duties well,” said Biazon, a former AFP chief.

Evardone said the “path to peace is not a straight and unencumbered path.”

“It is a tortuous one, which resolve is often tested. This is the same uneasy path to lasting peace in Mindanao. Right now we should support the resolve of P-Noy to pursue it,” Evardone said.

Biazon said Aquino should be given more time to exercise his powers in addressing the security situation in Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay, which is why he is holding off conducting congressional inquiries on the incidents.

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Special Forces founding commander

Fidel Ramos, the former president said he is saddened by the turn of events especially since he is the founding commander of the 1st Special Forces Company Airborne of the Philippine Army in June 1962. "I'm like a grandfather to them and they are my grandchildren," he said.

He added: "Nakakalungkot lahat yan lalo na sa mga na-biyuda at namatayan, na mga naulila at ganun din nakakaawa naman yung mga ating mga ibang sundalo  na nandoon pa na sila ay naiimbestiga."

He said that while he backed an investigation of the incident, both sides should be investigated.