MANILA, Philippines — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is calling for a stop to coup rumors arising from the recent killing of 19 soldiers in Basilan by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Those fuelling rumors of a coup against the duly-elected President are doing a great disservice to the country. If they want power for themselves, they should wait until the next elections in 2016, and refrain from dividing the military for their self-serving ends,” Pimentel said.

“President Aquino has done nothing wrong that would merit his removal by extra-constitutional means or a coup d’etat. I fully support his stand of all-out justice instead of all-out war against the MILF,” Pimentel said.

“All-out war could mean not just loss of many lives on both sides, but the displacement of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children, from their homes and sources of livelihood. It is totally irresponsible to call for all-out-war without considering the dire consequences,” he said.

“In refusing to heed strident calls for all-out war, President Aquino clearly has the welfare of the people in his heart,” the senator said.

“President Aquino deserves to finish his term because of an overwhelming mandate from the electorate in 2010. We should give him the chance as well as enough time to implement the reforms that would stop corruption and allow the government to overcome mass poverty,” Pimentel said.