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Home | From the Soldiers | The Struggle for Change | Withdrawal of Support | The Armed Forces | The Nation | Issues and Concerns -------------------------------------------------- From the People | Soldiers of the People | About Us | Links -------------------------------------------------- |
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================= ================= ================= ================= ================= ================= ================= Restiveness Redux Angling for Support ================= ================= ================= Coup d'Etat: A Practical Handbook ================= |
The Military's VIP (Very Important Prisoner) Fe Zamora, Inquirer, July 23, 2006
BRIG. General Danilo Lim has the heart of a civilian trapped in a soldier’s battle-scarred body. “Maybe I should have not been in the military,” Lim told a friend who had visited him recently at his heavily-secured military quarters at the Philippine Army Officers’ Village (Paovil) in Fort Bonifacio. “I cannot be a fence-sitter; never was, never would be,” Lim was also supposed to have said. Outside his leafy abode, a group of soldiers man a makeshift checkpoint; another group had set up a sentry at the back, beefing up the guards at the Paovil gate, just 20 meters away from Lim’s house. Such airtight security arrangements have earned Lim the distinction of being “most important prisoner” in recent coup-prone military history. Lim has been under military custody since a videotape of himself announcing his withdrawal of support from President Arroyo surfaced in a news program. The tape was to have been used on Feb. 24, when soldiers marching out of their camp were supposed to meet with civilians out in the streets to commemorate the Edsa revolt. It was proof, claims Malacañang, of a Leftist-Rightist plot against the government that justifies Arroyo’s proclamation of a state of emergency. The charges that Lim would lead the conspiracy have surprised those who know him only as an indulgent father to his only daughter, Aika. Just five years ago, Aika Lim dragged her father to the Cineplex in Glorietta. The older Lim had already forgotten what it was like to watch a movie. “I haven’t been inside a movie house since 1973,” Lim told the Inquirer then. Transformed from security-conscious officer into a dutiful dad, Lim was having a good time when Aika nudged him to take a closer look at their seatmate. It was Phillip Salvador, the movie actor whose tumultuous love affair with Kris Aquino had been the staple news in those days. Lim was amused, but Aika was adamant. She wanted her Dad to get Phillip’s autograph. Putty Lim, the hardline Army captain who negotiated that the rebel troops be allowed to returned to barracks, weapons and all, can be putty in his daughter’s hands. An only child, Aika was a baby when Lim was detained for the December 1989 coup. A former detainee recalled several officers doing “infantry” duties in jail, among them Lim. Another detainee, an alleged communist leader from Southern Luzon, Vic Ladlad, would be Aika’s godfather, a relationship that transcended the ideological divide between Lim and Ladlad. When Aika starred in her school’s musical production in 2001, Lim unabashedly invited media friends to watch the play. The souvenir program also showed ad placements from military organizations that could only have come from the solicitation of a very supportive father. A consistent honor student in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Lim was a freshmen at the University of the Philippines in Diliman when one of his classmates, Renato Heredia, came to class with application forms for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). It was 1972. Martial law had just been declared. Lim said he signed up for the heck of it. “There were many who had signed up, so I joined the line,” he said. The successful examinees either had brothers at the PMA, like Heredia, or had fathers who were PMA alumni or military officers. Second highest Lim, the youngest of five sons of a Chinese migrant worker from Xiamen and a hardworking businesswoman from Bohol, did not top the exams, but the topnotcher backed out, pushing Lim, who had the second highest score, to the top slot. Lim was sent to the US Military Academy in West Point in 1974. “I would have wanted to be a doctor, but it was too expensive,” Lim said. He did not want to burden his mother or four brothers, either. Lim’s father died when he was 5 and his mother raised the brood by herself. Since his older brothers finished college on scholarships, Lim felt he too had to get by on scholarship. Fortunately, Lim found academics, especially the math subjects, a breeze at West Point. The regimented military life also suited him, as he adapted to it seamlessly. Even his marriage was something of a record, according to another classmate. Lim’s wife, Aloysia, was actually his neighbor and classmate from elementary to high school. “But there was nothing there then,” Lim once told the Inquirer. “(The attraction) came later.” Upon graduation from West Point in 1978, Lim was sent to Jolo to head the all-Igorot Forward Recon Unit. The unit was often sent out to patrol the enemy lairs, chalking up seemingly endless encounters that had their senior officers shaking their heads in disbelief. A former pilot who sometimes airlifted the wounded recalled in jest that the Igorot troops never realized what they were getting into because Lieutenant Lim kept them drunk with gin. Wounded twice But Lim would himself be wounded twice from grenade shrapnels. After his second hospitalization in 1981, then Col. Arturo Enrile sought him out. “He told me, ‘I better take you out from here before you run out of luck,’” Lim recalled. From Jolo, Lim was transferred to the PMA, where he taught math subjects. He would also become the aide-de-camp to PMA Superintendent Brig. Gen. Jose Ma. Zumel, and administrative officer of PMA Superintendent Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Biazon in 1986. In March 1987, a bomb exploded at the PMA grandstand, ripping off a roof and wounding several personnel, including then Col. Lisandro Abadia, the PMA commandant of cadets. Lim was among those suspected behind the incident, but this was never proven. Before the incident, however, Lim had supposedly questioned the alleged anomalous deals at Biazon’s office. From the PMA, Lim was transferred to the Scout Rangers, the unit that he led in the takeover of the Makati Commercial and Business District in the December 1989 coup. Doubts The Feb. 23 videotape seemed to be an apt follow up. Lim’s doubts about President Arroyo’s mandate started soon after the May 2004 elections, when rumors circulated in the military circle about how some senior officers had allowed the President’s allies to use the military camps in the cheating operations, particularly in Basilan, Sulu, Lanao and Cotabato areas in Mindanao. There were also rumors that some units from the Marines and the Scout Rangers had reportedly refused to cooperate with Malacañang’s allies in the military. Compounding the situation was the alleged braggadocio of some officers who were supposed to have orchestrated the cheating operations, to the consternation of the young officers, including some Rangers who sought out Lim for advice. A senior colonel who talked to Lim then told the Inquirer that he was concerned about the Scout Rangers that Lim headed. “Lim does not believe that GMA won the elections. This is problematic,” the colonel said of his former classmate. Fearless prognosis Lim’s doubts were reportedly shared by many officers, with one of them expressing doubts that the President would be hounded by questions about her mandate. “GMA cannot govern,” was his fearless prognosis, as of June, 2004. The cracks in the military armor surfaced after the June 6, 2005 airing of the “Hello Garci” tapes, the wiretapped telephone conversations between Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and several personalities, including Ms Arroyo and her husband, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. The tapes seem to confirm allegations of fraud during the May 2004 elections, with at least four generals mentioned in the tapes as being involved. On July 8, 2005, a group of military officers had reportedly planned to withdraw support from the President, joining the group of senior cabinet members who had resigned en masse and urging Ms Arroyo to do the same for the sake of national unity. But Lim prevailed over the disgruntled. Later that month, Lim’s group, the now-defunct Young Officers Union (YOU, also issued a statement of withdrawal from the 1995 peace agreement it had forged with the government. Lim denied the YOU statement. He also sent a text message to the Inquirer, to the effect that he was “under pressure from all sides.” In fact, Lim was under surveillance from the military and under intense courtship from the opposition. At the necrological rites for Capt. Rene Jarque at the Fort Bonifacio chapel in September 2005, Lim showed up by his lonesome. Close tabs But a civilian-clad soldier tailed him, always keeping within earshot of the general. Malacañang also kept close tabs of his activities, often inviting him to dinner at the Palace. By late January 2006, Lim had reportedly visited troops in Mindanao to sound them off about his plans to withdraw support from President Arroyo. An officer he talked with said Lim did not indicate he would “do something” anytime soon. “We talked and he said it was ’no go,’” the officer told the Inquirer. In less than a month, Lim would “go,” to the surprise of even his closest friends. Since Feb. 24 when he was placed under house arrest, Lim has not been allowed to talk to the press. Some have managed to sneak in, however, accompanied by lawyers, priests and relatives. Former Inquirer reporter Andrea Trinidad-Echavez visited Lim one day in July. Lim had been Echavez’ sponsor at her church wedding to Dick Echavez in 2001. According to Echavez, Lim was in good spirits, and seemed at peace with himself and the world. “He looks confident that all would end up well,” Echavez said. Having hit rock bottom after the 1989 coup, Lim knows only too well how to play his cards. “He’s a tactician. He’s been through a lot. What is happening to him now is chicken feed,” Echavez added. Besides, people who’ve met Lim also know that the man would rather pay the price of taking sides than stay still, watching from the sidelines. =====================================
Defending Danny Lim Romy Lim, Malaya
According to the AFP pronouncement, the video "belies every single denial of (Lim) conspiring to a coup, etc., which he maintained during the investigation conducted by the (National Bureau of Investigation)." The AFP also accuses Lim of breaking the chain of command as well as endangering national security. "(Lim’s) actions betrayed the people who entrusted him a second chance at the military profession after his involvement in a past rebellion. Their obsession for power is a sign that he and his cohorts are beyond reform and should be made accountable for their actions." Lim is no relative of mine but I had the honor of serving with him in the Scout Rangers. He is an idealist of the highest order with only the best intentions for the men under him and the country he has sworn to serve. I also know him to be an officer and a gentleman, one who will let this tirade go by mainly unanswered for fear of further tainting the AFP as an institution, especially since he is still on active duty. And, since I am already retired and officially no longer part of the institution, I will take the opportunity to speak on his behalf because the AFP should never want for men like him, if only to preserve its zeal to defend our democratic institutions. It is alarming that the AFP should come out with a statement already condemning the alleged actions of Lim when, in fact, the matter is still under an internal investigation. No less than PA chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon has confirmed that there is no final report yet on the matter from the AFP Inspector General. Hence any judgment or call for disciplinary action is premature. Obviously, with the release of the AFP’s official comment demanding that Lim be made accountable, this case has already been pre-judged. Unless, of course, that report is as highly classified as the Mayuga Report on the "Hello Garci" general that even Esperon is not entitled to know about it. The statement also declares the AFP’s intention, among others, "to remain apolitical" and "never tolerate any of its men or women who will lend the military’s power to subvert our democracy in order to advance a group’s vested interests and aggrandizement." Unfortunately for the AFP, in its haste to react to the Lim video and make propaganda waves, it has treaded into self-contradictory waters. I have no quarrel with the AFP remaining apolitical, as it must be insulated from partisan politics. But, in the final analysis, can anything really be "apolitical" or non-partisan? It seems to me that being apolitical now only preserves a status quo that has tainted the AFP’s reputation as the protector of our people with scandals like electioneering generals and committed it to an unattainable two-year deadline to defeat the communist insurgency. Sadly, these other facts have been omitted in the condemnation of Lim. What about the part of not allowing itself to be used as a pawn to "advance a group’s vested interests?" Is this consistent with the AFP’s being supposedly apolitical? If this were true, then neither EDSA I or II would have happened. And, clearly, the men and women of the AFP have been hailed as heroes for their decisive role in both events. If you are looking for consistency here, better forget it. This is just another case of the victors writing history as they see fit. I wonder what the AFP would be saying now if both EDSA revolts were crushed. The timing of the video is suspect coming on the heels of the filing of the new impeachment complaints in Congress. It seems like another botched publicity stunt to divert public attention. Even the government’s interpretation that it proves the existence of a group attempt is suspect. At most, Lim and men were planning to join unarmed the scheduled anti-Arroyo rallies then. There was never any mention of making any takeover attempts. Everything about the video and its mysterious release is suspect. Everything but Danny Lim and his principles. =====================================
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"We belong to those whose conscience guide us to seek reforms. We deign to act guided by our aspirations... aspirations that we perceived are the reflections of the trust and confidence which the Filipino people have bestowed upon the AFP...
Our Reform Movement merely justifies the legitimate existence of the AFP as a true Army of the Filipino People...
We only have to ask ourselves - Does the AFP serve the purpose of the people and our country?
We Belong R.E.F.O.R.M. AFP Movemet
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"The military institution that we envision is one that is highly professionalized; where promotions are based on merits and not on mere personal loyalties and favors; where its mantle of protection and security are showered to all Filipinos not just to the elite and privileged few; where nationalism, patriotism and service to the Filipino people and nation become the fundamental virtues and ideals; where its role is not limited to a mere security force but an active partner in nation building. In short, what we envision and would want to rebuild is an AFP that is genuinely the Army of the Filipino People…
In the fields, many soldiers go on constant long patrols with empty stomachs and gradually being out-uniformed and out-armed by communist and secessionist rebels. Countless junior officers find themselves placed in a situation where they cannot do anything but cry as they watch their mens and comrades die needlessly for lack of medical supplies or suitable transport. One must go through such experience before one can understand how bitterly it feels. All because of corrupt officials entrenched in the higher echelons in their air-conditioned offices. These are not the kind of people whom we are dying for!...
So when we talk of questions like “whose side does YOU identify itself with” - we can only say, we are on the side of those who believe that the Filipino people’s interest must be paramount and should be the basis of our action. We declare that we shall always be on the side of the Filipino people...
We military men are not robots. We too have conscience, and between obedience to a corrupt, vindictive, incompetent, isolated and muppet regime and loyalty to the people, we chose the latter; for after all, we are Filipino first before we are soldiers. The concrete conditions in our society now compel us, soldiers and citizens, to topple this government in accordance with our constitutional duty and right to revolution. Indeed, the fundamental law of the land recognizes the AFP as the protector of the people and state, we soldiers are therefore bound by our sacred duty to protect the Filipino masses against a corrupt, incompetent, vindictive, isolated and muppet government."
Young Officers Union (YOU)
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"We vow to continue the unfinished revolution of our forefathers, the truly nationalist Philippine Revolution of 1896. We declare that we will work to achieve genuine national independence, redeem our sovereignty, and liberate our people from the chains of political, social, and economic slavery forged by foreign imperialists and their Filipino collaborators...
We offer the country, not the tarnished vision of EDSA 1986, cheapened beyond recognition by this Administration, but the revolutionary spirit of 1896 and its noble dream, a dream filled with a fierce yearning for change.
The dream is true independence, a sovereign nation, a just and wise government, genuine nationalism, respect for the law, freedom in its best sense and reconciliation - in short, democracy as the Filipino revolutionaries of 1986 installed but only fleetingly enjoyed before it was perverted by succeeding decades of subjugation, tyranny and pretense...
We know that the struggle and sacrifice of our forefathers and our own recent catharsis of blood and fire shall not have been in vain if we band together and act to bring the revolution to its inevitable conclusion - a Filipino nation enjoying authentic democracy under a regime of justice, peace, liberty, fraternity and equality.
Our dreams shall never die."
Rebolusyonayong Alyansang Makabansa - Soldiers of the Filipino People (RAM-SFP)
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"We stand before our people to declare our withdrawal of support from the chain of command of the AFP and the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. We have experienced the true situation of our soldiers. We have shared hardships and sacrifices in the face of an armed conflict, but the support we need against the jaws of death have been pocketed by a few leaders looking out only for their selfish interests.
We believe that we cannot attain genuine peace while the corrupt and greedy are leading the AFP and the PNP. And without peace, the Philippines cannot prosper.
We have taken this stand now, not only to air the grievances of the members of the AFP but to lend our voice to the grievances of the Filipino people. To all our fellow members of the AFP and the Filipino people, if you judge that what we are fighting for is wrong, we stand here before you and you can take our lives. But if you judge that we are right, we ask you to take a stand and support our struggle. All of these are for a better future and for the good of the coming generations. "
Armed Forces of the Philippines
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The Arroyo regime deceives its armed forces into fighting its battles of self-aggrandizement while undermining the military at every turn. It tells its armed services to fight terrorism without laws to protect them and the people. Many of our men have already died of loss of blood fighting a war they do not even understand. Occasionally, it throws the military a bone to chew on, like guard dogs to be placated from hunger and neglect. More than 60,000 of our men in uniform are living in squalors in the urban centers as well as in the countryside.
It has reduced the once-proud military and police organizations into a private security force, dedicated to perpetuate its status quo. It maintains a Gestapo-like country intelligence organization not to spy on the real enemies of the State but to spy on the officer corps, rank-and file and other innocent targets.
It prostituted the intelligence service of the armed forces by ordering it to tape record private conversations of some officials and individuals, which accidentally recorded Mrs. Arroyo and others, against the advice of the officers of the intelligence command just to ensure their fraudulent election. Hence, it does not only malign the reputation of the intelligence service but as well as it distorts the credibility of the entire AFP command.
From the first day, the Arroyo government has steered by one direction alone, that of private gains and mindless arrogance. For more than four long, unhappy years, it has drifted, with neither will nor ability to govern, muddling through all our national crises, setting a record of corruptions, incompetence and clumsiness.
Let no one doubt this article of faith and covenant with our people and country. For we will fight fire with fire those who will stand in our way and undermine our determination to create a just, wise, efficient and stable society throughout the land."
Young Officers Union of the New Generation (YOUNG)
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Home | From the Soldiers | The Struggle for Change | Withdrawal of Support | The Armed Forces | The Nation | Issues and Concerns -------------------------------------------------- From the People | Soldiers of the People | About Us | Links --------------------------------------------------
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BRIG.
Gen. Danilo "Danny" Lim, relieved commander of the Philippine Army First
Scout Ranger Regiment, really took his licks from the official comment made
by the AFP on the video where he allegedly announced his withdrawal of
support from the government. A very tragic fate, if not an outright
maltreatment, from the institution that he has served so well.
