AFP NCOs on coup: Never again

The top non-commissioned officers (NCOs) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) pledged yesterday to support the Arroyo administration and the Constitution even as they disclosed that some shadowy groups have been attempting to recruit their men to destabilize the government.

Sergeant majors of the three armed services led yesterday the signing at Camp Aguinaldo of a manifesto, entitled "Never Again," which promised there would never be a repetition of the coup attempts that marked the term of former President Corazon Aquino.

"We would like to stress that the Armed Forces will remain strong and united against all groups that would attempt to destroy those who implement the Constitution. We will follow the chain of command and remain loyal to the Filipino people," Master Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Rosario, sergeant major of the AFP, said in Filipino.

"We are ready to give up our lives just to maintain peace and order. We promise to uphold the programs of the government for the improvement of our lives," he added.

Rosario said attempts to recruit soldiers were similar to the ones that occurred prior to the coups during the Aquino administration but he could not identify the recruiters because those who were approached refused to reveal any details.

"We have been in the service for a long time. The coups left painful and deep wounds. We are asking the young soldiers not to be swayed by these people, we have seen what happened before and it’s not good," Rosario added.

The manifesto, for its part, recalled that Filipino soldiers were earlier led to believe that loyalty to country is also blind loyalty to corrupt officials.

"But we Filipino soldiers swear that we will not allow ourselves to be sued by people who have evil motives to grab power through violence and arms," the manifesto read.

Aside from Rosario, other sergeant majors who signed the manifesto were Senior Master Sgt. Ursula Juson, assistant sergeant major for Women’s Auxiliary Corps Affairs; Chief Master Sgt. Ricardo Respico, assistant sergeant major for the Navy; Chief Master Sgt. Reynaldo Alibon, command sergeant major for the Army; Chief Master Sgt. Mario Gabriel, deputy sergeant major of the AFP; Chief Master Sgt. Cedric Reyes, assistant sergeant major for the Air Force; Chief Master Sgt. Florante Hatulan, command sergeant major for the Air Force; and Master Chief Petty Officer Leonardo Apruebo, commander master chief petty officer for the Navy.

The post of sergeant major is usually held by either a chief or senior master sergeant or a master chief petty officer, who are non-commissioned officers of the AFP.

Aside from the sergeant majors for the entire AFP, there are also sergeant majors for Air Force, Navy and Army units larger than a battalion.

A sergeant major, who represents the enlisted personnel or ordinary soldier, serves as a principal personal staff of the unit’s commander and he helps in maintaining morale and discipline among the troops.

He also serves as the link between the officer corps and the enlisted personnel. There are about 100,000 enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers in the 130,000-strong AFP.