Ibrado's farewell parade cancelled

MANILA, Philippines - A testimonial parade scheduled today in honor of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado was cancelled late yesterday afternoon, fueling speculation that his term would be extended by President Arroyo.

An advisory sent by the Philippine Army yesterday showed that the event, usually organized by major services when a chief of staff is about to retire, was supposed to be held at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“The testimonial review in honor of Gen. Victor Ibrado is cancelled. Please wait for further developments,” the advisory stated.

Ibrado is set to retire on March 10 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, but the President, who is commander in chief of the AFP, has remained silent on his retirement or possible extension.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said he was not aware of the reasons behind the cancellation but revealed that Ibrado himself ordered it.

“I heard that (cancellation) from the Army... There is no announcement yet on whether he (Ibrado) would be extended,” he said when asked what made the AFP chief call for the cancellation.

“It is just a simple farewell visit which can be done later. The major services, including myself, agreed to postpone it due to important activities,” he said.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the schedule of the testimonial parade might have conflicted with another important activity that cropped up.

A military official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Mrs. Arroyo met with Ibrado, Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena in Malacañang yesterday.

“I do not know what transpired during the meeting. It was a closed door meeting,” the source said.

The meeting came before the Army announced the cancellation of the testimonial review.

Another AFP source said the Board of Generals (BOG), which comes up with a shortlist of candidates for chief of staff, would meet today.

The source said the BOG might discuss who would be appointed to head the major services of the AFP after Ibrado retires.

The BOG, headed by Ibrado, is composed of vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, Vice Admiral Emilio Marayag, Bangit, Golez, and Rabena.

In selecting the next chief of staff, the body submits its shortlist to the defense secretary who will then present it to the President.

Before the cancellation was announced, Brawner said all indications point to Ibrado’s retirement as preparations were being made for the turnover ceremonies.

He said Ibrado has also been visiting his troops to bid them farewell.

About 300 soldiers from the Navy, Marines and the Air Force were practicing yesterday for the turnover ceremonies at the Camp Aguinaldo grandstand in Quezon City yesterday.

Various sectors, however, have asked the President to extend Ibrado’s term until June 30 to ensure the neutrality and stability of the military during the May polls.

Ibrado, however, has said that he prefers to retire as scheduled to provide his subordinates an opportunity to climb the leadership ladder.

He also said he would recommend three to four names to succeed him once he steps down from his post.