Reassured by Enrile About Coup Reports, Aquino Says

President Corazon Aquino said Saturday that she had confronted Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile with reports of an imminent coup and received assurances there would be no attempt to topple the government during her visit to Japan this week.

Despite the assurances from Enrile, who has been critical of Aquino’s handling of the Communist insurgency, the palace guard went on red alert and officials said the army would go on alert Monday when Aquino leaves for her four-day visit to Japan.

The government announced Saturday that Aquino had revoked powers used by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos to imprison thousands of political dissidents without charge.

Presidential legal aide Rene Saguisag declined to attach significance to the order, but the move indicated that Aquino was nervous and wanted to eliminate any law that would allow the military to make large-scale arrests.

Assurance From Enrile

Aquino told reporters Saturday that she met with Enrile late Friday in her palace office and discussed newspaper reports that officers loyal to him plan to topple her government while she is in Tokyo.

“He just assured me that nothing happens while I am in Japan,” Aquino said.

Armed forces chief of staff Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, who had remained neutral in the political struggle between Aquino and her outspoken defense minister, warned Thursday against any attempted coup, saying it would be “bloody and destabilizing.”

Plot Reported Squelched

The Manila Chronicle reported that Ramos squelched a plot by officers associated with Enrile to stage commando raids on public utilities and media offices during Aquino’s visit to Japan.

Ramos’ backing has been seen by supporters of both Aquino and Enrile as pivotal in the struggle between the president and Enrile, who has been defense minister since 1970.

A senior officer, who spoke on the condition he not be identified, said the reported plan to topple the government was “wishful thinking” but that there is restlessness in the army over Aquino’s handling of the Communist insurgency.

Not Perceived as Enemy

“Aquino is not perceived as the enemy, but if she favors the left she will be perceived as part of the problem,” the officer said.

Enrile, who along with Ramos led the military revolt in February that brought Aquino to power, has criticized what he says is Aquino’s soft stand toward the rebels and has called for tougher measures against the 17-year-long insurgency.