MANILA: While confident that the President’s State of the Nation Address before Congress on July 27 will be peaceful, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not letting its guard down as it revealed massive preparations to quell any unrest and security threats.

The AFP-National Capital Region Command under Maj. Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas conducted military exercises at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday to test the readiness of the troops.

The exercises included rapid troop mobilisation as well as inspection and deployment of armored vehicles and other mechanized equipment.

Exercises aimed at improving coordination among unit commanders and their staff were also performed. “This activity is aimed at measuring NCRCOM’s ability in providing support to security operations of the Philippine National Police in maintaining peace in Metro Manila and as part of the security preparations for the upcoming address of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on July 27,” NCRCOM spokesman Maj. Carlo Ferrer said.

NCRCOM’s primary mission is to protect the seat of the national government from assault from groups out to topple the government. Preparations were made even as the military leadership dismissed yesterday “Oplan August Moon” as mere propaganda intended to sow intrigue and divide the Armed Forces. “After our investigation of ‘Oplan August Moon’ we are no longer taking this seriously,” AFP spokesman Lt.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

But he said the military is not letting its guard down and that its intelligence units are closely monitoring the activities of two groups – including that of a public relations man – which are said to be behind the spread of the alleged plot aimed at forcing the military and the police to engage in partisan politics.

Authorities have declined to name the PR man but said he is working for two opposition lawmakers. “We are still closely monitoring activities on the ground,” Brawner said. He added that the AFP leadership had been made to believe that the blast at the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the discovery of explosives in Quezon City were part of Oplan August Moon.

Investigators have yet to identify the suspects in the bombing incidents or their motives. Brawner said is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to build up a case against the personalities behind Oplan August Moon. He said security forces were on alert for possible destabilisation attempts by other groups.