Ramos orders commanders to prevent looting vandalism

GEN. FIDEL V Ramos, chief of staff of the New Armed Forces of the Philippines, yesterday warned military and police personnel to refrain from committing abuses in the wake of the confusion generated by the fall of the Marcos regime.

In a directive, Ramos said that disciplinary action would be imposed against any military personnel who would commit any crime against public order.

Ramos directed all AFP and INP commanders to prevent looting, vandalism, lynching, traffic disturbance, crimes against public order, and the carrying out of any orders coming from ex-President Marcos.

Ramos said: “As we carry out the most delicate task assigned to the NAFP, all personnel should observe the highest standard of conduct and discipline. He reminded the officers and men of the NAFP to remain humble, compassionate, tolerant and vigilant in reserving the victory of the revolution and the newly found stability of the country.

“We must not commit any act which will alienate us from our people. At this crucial stage of our people’s revolution, we have to demonstrate to the civilian population our sincere demonstration to serve the best interests of the nation,” Ramos said.

Ramos was appointed chief of staff of the NAFP immediately after the inaugural of Corazon Aquino as the seventh President of the Republic of the Philippines the other day. He was simultaneously promoted to the rank of four-star general by President Aquino.

Ramos at the same time, emphasized the importance of achieving national reconciliation amid the euphoria and jubilation of the Filipinos whose “people’s power has been primarily responsible in making this situation a reality.”