Venezuela 's vice president asks hundreds of Chavez supporters to take a loyalty oath . ` ` I swear ... to defend the life of Comandante Chavez , '' they say . Silence comes as authorities reassure residents that Chávez 's presidency continues . Many waved flags and carried photos of the ailing president . Chavez is undergoing cancer treatment in Cuba and battling complications .
Venezuela 's vice president asks hundreds of Chavez supporters to take a loyalty oath . ` ` I swear ... to defend the life of Comandante Chavez , '' they say . Silence comes as authorities reassure residents that Chávez 's presidency continues . Chavez is undergoing cancer treatment in Cuba and battling complications .