AFP vows probe of officers engaged in politicking

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed yesterday to investigate the claims of National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue that some military officers engaged in politicking during the 2010 elections.

“We will look into them. We have taken cognizance of what he (Angue) said at our level. We will see if these allegations hold water,” AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.

When asked if he can give assurance that no one in the AFP took sides last elections, Mabanta said: “I cannot answer that categorically.”

“The Truth Commission will decide on this.”

Mabanta called on those who are accusing military officers of politicking to testify and to present their evidences before the Truth Commission.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is supposed to be apolitical during elections. If there are evidences, send it to the Truth Commission,” Mabanta said.

“We welcome whoever wants to come forward especially if they are called by the Truth Commission,” he added.

The Truth Commission was formed by President Aquino last month to investigate the alleged misdeeds of the Arroyo administration. Angue, however, said the commission should also conduct a probe on officers who sided with political parties during the 2010 polls.

Mabanta said Angue, being a senior military official, should be responsible for his statement.

“He (Angue) knows the possible repercussions. Responsibility means being a very high-ranking officer, you know what to say and not to say,” he said.

Mabanta said he does not know of any effort to prevent Angue from issuing statements critical to the military leadership. He, however, believes that Angue and other ranking AFP officers are discussing the issue among themselves.

“All commanders of the unified commands are directly under the chief of staff. He talks to them frequently,” Mabanta said.

The AFP spokesman declined to comment on Angue’s claims that a coup will remain possible if there is discontent among the military ranks. – With Jaime Laude