Palace warns of ‘stronger measures’ against ‘destabilizers’

Malacanang warned on Sunday it is prepared to implement stronger measures to contain the “increasing agitation" in the military even as it appealed to opposition leaders not to “inflame" the already tense situation. “We are prepared to implement stronger measures and to do whatever is necessary to maintain peace and order in the country," Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor told reporters in a press conference in Malacanang. When asked whether Mrs. Arroyo was close to declaring martial law, Defensor said: “Of course not." “When we say stronger measures, we mean that the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police and other agencies of the government would fully enforce the law," Defensor said. He said the President will only exercise powers allowed by the Constitution. He said the relief of Brig. Gen. Renato Miranda was not discussed during the National Security Council meeting earlier in the day. “The President has nothing to do with these movements," he said. Security remained tight in Malacanang. Reporters were asked to leave the Press Working Area in Kalayaan Hall and transferred to the Arlegui Guest House. Armed Palace guards were seen being shuttled to various points in the palace complex. Defensor said members of the First Family remained inside Malacanang. - GMANews.TV