RETIRED generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), products of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), have signed a manifesto expressing strong support for SMNI Anchors Jeffrey ‘Ka Eric’ Celiz and Dr. Lorraine Badoy.
The two are part of the ‘Laban Kasama ang Bayan’ program on SMNI, dedicated to an information campaign against the terrorist group Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front (NDF), also known as the CPP-NPA-NDF.
The manifesto surfaced after Celiz and Badoy were detained in Congress following a contempt order from the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
Celiz was questioned about the alleged P1.8-B travel funds of Speaker Martin Romualdez’s office, while Badoy faced inquiries about the TV program’s commercial revenues.
Retired army captain and scout ranger Dado Enrique believes that the treatment of Celiz and Badoy constitutes a violation of human rights, which is why he signed the manifesto of support.
“Serious, it’s not a joke. For those in authority, it shouldn’t be set aside. No, it’s serious. When a group of PMAers, and in fact, anyone, affixes their signatures over something, our training dictates that when you sign your name, it’s not something to be taken lightly… It’s not a joke,” according to Capt. Clemente ‘Dado’ Enrique (RET.), Baron, PMA Class 83.’
In his SMNI interview, Enrique emphasized that if Badoy and Celiz are not released, more former generals are likely to sign the manifesto.
He noted the growing calls for a military junta due to perceived government mismanagement but hopes this won’t happen under the Marcos Jr. administration.
“In the ‘86 Revolution, we, and our seniors, didn’t want a junta. It’s dangerous. Many people are now encouraging a junta, a military junta. Encouraging the military to take over to have a junta. People are fed up, that’s the point! Suppress the people! Ah, you want a junta?” Enrique added.
Enrique warned of the possibility of people’s defiance against the current administration, especially if the International Criminal Court arrests former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“If Digong [Former Pres. Duterte] touched, then good luck to the administration. If Sara is touched, good luck to the administration. I’m serious about it. This is a warning, a very, very stern warning to the government. If SMNI is touched, good luck to all of you! Because the people will be forced to act, and that is a warning for you to save yourselves, the administration,” Enrique stated.
He hopes this is not seen as a threat from the Marcos Jr. administration but rather a call to address identified shortcomings promptly.
“If you question me as a destabilizer? That’s not the answer. The answer should be, what’s the problem? What have we done wrong? And then, you communicate with the people who voted for you! People who gave you the power! You start serving the people if the people are questioning you. Wait a minute!” he said.
