AFP not affected by rumors of Bangit appointment

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday said the performance of their duties is not affected by rumors of a revamp of top officers following reports that Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit would be appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff.

Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, AFP public affairs office chief, said that soldiers have reached the highest level of professionalism that enables them to set aside their personal views and respect the decisions of their superiors.

“We monitor such developments. We talk about it but we still follow the duly-appointed leaders of the organization. We may have independent opinions but we submit to the decision of the authorities, the board of generals and the commander-in-chief,” he said.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro earlier said President Arroyo would have a free hand in choosing the next AFP chief, amid rumors that Bangit, Mrs. Arroyo’s former security commander, would replace current AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano, who will retire in June.

Teodoro said choosing who will lead the AFP is the constitutional mandate of the President as commander-in-chief and she should be given the widest room for selection.

The rumors have drawn various reactions within the military because Bangit would bypass several more senior officers if he becomes the new AFP chief. But other officers see nothing wrong with Bangit’s appointment because all lieutenant generals are qualified for the post.

Teodoro said that as of now, there are no discussions as to who would replace Yano when he retires from military service.

He said whoever is appointed by the President should not cause a stir among the ranks because it is the commander-in-chief’s prerogative.

The senior officers holding key positions in the AFP who are also qualified to be AFP chief include AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Navy chief Vice Adm. Ferdinand Golez, and Lt. Gen. Jaime Buenaflor, chief of the AFP National Development Support Command.

Bangit and Rabena belong to Philippine Military Academy Class 1978, while Ibrado, Maclang and Golez are from PMA Class 1976. Buenaflor is a member of PMA Class 1977.