AFP chief leaves fate to Noynoy

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Delfin Bangit is ready to step down in case the next president decides to change the military’s high command.

Speaking to reporters, Bangit said he is just waiting for orders, just like the civilian employees of the government.

“We serve at the pleasure of commander-in-chief,” he said.

“Whatever he says, we will follow. We cannot do anything. What we are saying is the chief of staff is the choice of the commander-in-chief.”

Bangit cannot say if the relief of the high command would have an impact on the military.

“We have not experienced that before so I cannot say (if the relief would have an impact on the AFP),” he said.

Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the military is preparing for a smooth transition of power to the next president.

“There will be issues to be presented,” he said.

“These include operational concerns and administrative concerns. We have to sustain the operations and look at the areas where we can better improve to achieve our mission.”

The military has not received any threats that could disrupt the turnover rites on June 30, Burgos said.

Bangit was named Armed Forces chief last March, bypassing more senior military officials.

Military to hold parade for GMA

The Armed Forces is ready to hold a testimonial parade for President Arroyo.

Bangit said as outgoing commander-in-chief, Mrs. Arroyo, just like retiring military officers, is entitled to this military tradition.

Mrs. Arroyo has already been accorded military honors in all her farewell visits to field units, Bangit said.

The Armed Forces will honor soldiers involved in securing last Monday’s elections.

Speaking to reporters, Burgos said Bangit has given instructions to commend enlisted personnel and officers directly involved in the smooth conduct of elections.

“Even though these awards are not enough to recognize their sacrifices, this is a form of appreciation for doing their best to protect the sanctity of the vote,” he said.

Burgos said all soldiers placed on standby during the elections would be conferred the AFP Presidential Unit citation.

Some 150 soldiers detailed with the Task Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections) operations center will also receive separate awards, he added.

Burgos said among the medals to be awarded are the Military Merit Medal and the Wounded Personnel Medal.

Fallen soldiers may also receive a one-rank posthumous promotion, he added.

Twenty soldiers and militiamen died and 17 others were wounded while performing poll-related duties, according to preliminary data from the AFP Public Affairs Office.

The fatalities included 11 soldiers who were killed last March by rebels extorting money from candidates in Oriental Mindoro.

Eight soldiers were wounded during the incident.

Two militiamen also died after rebels ambushed an election envoy in Compostela Valley last Tuesday.

Casualties were also recorded in Maguindanao, Cavite and Rizal.