We shall not be party to this plot to betray the people (May 12, 2007)

Once again, our unworthy generals are plotting to betray the people in the coming elections as they did in 2004. The chief of staff no less is ordering us to be pawns in this despicable plan to rig the May 14 elections to ensure the victory of administration candidates.

Let it be said: the integrity of our service have been sullied enough by these generals using the armed forces to install and prop up what is becoming the most hated regime in the history of the republic. "Mercury Rising," as they have termed the covert plan to steal the upcoming elections, would bury even deeper the honor and integrity of the armed forces.

We are conscientious and honorable officers and men of the military and police forces. We shall resist to the last breath the evil schemes of a few dishonorable generals beholden to the Arroyo administration. We shall not be party to electoral fraud, the ultimate betrayal of the people we are sworn to serve and defend.

We call on all our brothers in arms to defy all illegal and immoral orders from above and to take necessary actions to thwart any attempt to violate the people's will. Only thus can we regain the trust and support of the people who have already suffered so much under the Arroyo regime. We only hope it will not be too late.

Maj. Rad Pasion (Spokesman, Tirad Pass Brigade [A democratic movement of concerned officers and soldiers])

translation follows:

Hindi kami makikisangkot sa planong pagtaksilan ang bayan

Nagpapakana na naman ang aming mga heneral para pagtaksilan ang bayan sa darating na eleksyon tulad ng ginawa nila noong 2004. Mismong ang chief of staff ang nag-uutos sa amin na magpagamit sa kasuklam-suklam na planong lutuin ang eleksyon sa Mayo 14 para matiyak ang panalo ng mga kandidato ng administrasyon.

Ipinapahayag namin: ang dangal ng aming serbisyo ay masyado nang dinungisan ng mga heneral na kumasangkapan sa sandatahang lakas para ipwesto at panatilihin ang nagiging pinakakinamumuhiang rehimen sa kasaysayan ng republika. Ang "Mercury Rising," na siyang ipinangalan nila sa lihim na planong dayain ang darating na eleksyon, ay lalo pang maglilibing sa dangal at integridad ng hukbong sandatahan.

Kami’y mga matuwid at mararangal na upisyal at kawal ng pwersang militar at pulis. Lalabanan namin hanggang sa huling hininga ang maruruming pakana ng iilang kahiya-hiyang heneral na naninilbihan sa administrasyong Arroyo. Hindi kami makikisangkot sa pandaraya sa eleksyon, ang pinakamasahol na pagtataksil sa mamamayang sinumpaan naming paglingkuran at ipagtanggol.

Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng aming mga kapatid na kawal na suwayin ang lahat ng iligal at imoral na utos mula sa itaas at gawin ang nararapat na mga hakbang upang biguin ang anumang pagtatangkang lapastanganin ang pasya ng taumbayan. Sa gayon lamang natin mababawi ang tiwala at suporta ng bayang labis na nagdurusa sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo. Sana’y hindi pa huli ang lahat.

Maj. Rad Pasion (Tagapagsalita, Tirad Pass Brigade [Democratic Movement of Concerned Officers and Soldiers])