AFP sees nothing wrong with spy chief's advocacy group

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Victor Ibrado sees nothing wrong with the creation of an advocacy group by Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Prestoza, although he clarified this is not sanctioned by the military leadership.

In an interview, Ibrado said he believes Aagapay Foundation, which was formed and being pushed by Prestoza would not be used for any political agenda.

“They have good intentions and I don’t think this will be used for politics. At the same time I know it is not, they are not using, government money in doing this, this is like voluntary on the members, something like that,” he said.

Ibrado said that as far as he knows, the AFP leadership does not support the group and its creation was initiated by Prestoza, not the military.

But Ibrado said he is willing to look into the group if there are suspicions that Aagapay is being used for any other purpose than what was made known to him, without necessarily investigating it.

Prestoza admitted to having led the creation of Aagapay, although he denied that this would be used for politics in the coming 2010 elections.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, AFP spokesman, said the objective of Aagapay is to strengthen the family values that are centered on the belief in God.

The spokesman said Prestoza started Aagapay when he assumed the top post at ISAFP and its followers were initially his subordinates. He said the advocacy started in Camp Aguinaldo and is now reaching out to various groups.

Brawner said Aagapay’s concept has been presented to AFP chief Ibrado, who in turn, welcomed it.

But someone claiming to be an ISAFP agent codenamed A32 alleged in a letter that was sent to news outlets that the group would be used for the coming elections.

Attached to the letter that A32 sent was an application form for those who wish to become Aagapay members.

The application form shows that the group’s address is at V.V Soliven Shopping Center in Ortigas.

Prestoza, who used to head the Presidential Security Group, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978, which adopted President Arroyo as honorary classmate.   – With Jaime Laude