No talks yet on next AFP chief - Bangit

MANILA, Philippines -  Newly confirmed Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, chief of the military’s Southern Luzon Command, downplayed yesterday reports suggesting that he is being groomed to be the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief.

Bangit, who is rumored to be a strong contender to succeed AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano who is set to retire in June, said the next military chief would be selected in consideration of the benefit of the organization in particular and the country in general.

“There are no talks over who would be the next AFP chief so I cannot comment over those issues because it would be unfair to all those concerned if I give any categorical response,” he said.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres earlier said the performance of the duties of each candidate is not affected by rumors concerning the appointment of officers to key positions in the organization.

Bangit served as chief of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and an adopted classmate of President Arroyo in Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1978.

Torres said soldiers like Bangit have reached the highest level of professional maturity that enables them to set aside their personal views and respect the decisions of their superiors.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the President would have a free hand in choosing the next AFP chief, amid talks that Bangit, her former security chief, would replace Yano in June.

Teodoro said Mrs. Arroyo would still have the prerogative to choose the next AFP chief.

The promotion and appointment of Bangit triggered talks suggesting that he is poised to bypass other senior officers as the next AFP chief of staff.

But there were others who said there is nothing irregular since all lieutenant generals like Bangit are qualified for the post.

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

There are more senior officers holding key positions in the AFP who are also qualified for the post, including 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.