The backing of some former military and police generals for Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid refutes the red-tagging ploy directed against her and her supporters.
This was stated by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who is seeking a fresh term in the Senate under Robredo’s slate, in response to allegations that their campaign rallies were attended by “hakot“ crowds consisted of student activists from the Left.
“Judging by reports, I wouldn't be surprised if there is already a battalion of former military and police colonels and generals that has gone proudly pink,” he said in a statement.
Trillanes was referring to retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Maj. Gen. Generoso Cerbo Jr. and retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan who confirmed the "groundswell of support" from former AFP and PNP chiefs for Robredo’s candidacy.
“Former AFP and PNP chiefs, all anti-insurgency veterans, have come out for Leni, and their support belies the fake news peddled by conspiracy theorists,” Trillanes added.
On March 7, the Vice President met with ex-generals from both the AFP and PNP a day after a politician, taken aback by the massive turnout in Robredo sorties, “tried to paint the massive sea of pink as red.”
READ: Retired AFP, PNP officials back Robredo’s presidential bid
Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla alleged that those in pink “uniforms” attending Robredo’s rally in General Trias last week were paid P500 each. Pink is Robredo’s new campaign color.
He also said that students who joined the rally "looked like activists" and they are being trained by the National Democratic Front (NDF), the coalition of revolutionary organizations, including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA).
The Robredo People’s Council-Cavite, which organized the campaign rally, condemned the "malicious, irresponsible, and baseless" allegations of Remulla.
Trillanes said that if Robredo's critics "have even an iota of doubt on her ability to lead, the retired generals will not put their hard-won reputation on the line by saying that the vice president is ready to step up as commander-in-chief."
“Kung naniniwala sila sa (If they believe in) black propaganda laban kay Leni, hindi sila pipirma ng manifesto, hindi sila mangangampanya para kay Leni (against Leni, they won’t sign the manifest, they won’t campaign for Leni)," he added.
The former senator said those claiming the attendees are “either paid or red” are "taking a leaf out of the martial law propaganda handbook."