Military claims ranks cleared of 'destabilizers'

MANILA, Philippines - The Military is now clear of attempts at sowing discord among its ranks through politics, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Alexander B. Yano said Monday. In his speech at the 73rd AFP founding anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Monday, Mr. Yano said they have overcome "politics and political ambition, which in the past had led some men in uniform to abandon the centuries-old tradition of the Filipino soldier." "Madame, President, I am proud to say that this enemy within the AFP has already been slain," he said, facing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who was guest of honor. There have been three failed coup attempts since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed power in 2001, including the Peninsula Manila Hotel siege in Makati City in November 2007 led by Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, Brig. Gen. Danilo P. Lim and 25 other rogue officers. Meanwhile, in a separate speech, Mrs. Arroyo expressed gratitude to the military’s apolitical stance and for promoting democracy and peace. Mrs. Arroyo, who is also Commander-in-Chief, assured the soldiers they will benefit from the country’s economic gains. The President said she will have a command conference with the Armed Forces on Jan. 8 on security issues. As this developed, a middle-grade military officer who refused to be identified told some Defense reporters of a brewing tension in the military’s top to middle ranks. "Whoever drafted that speech [of Mr. Yano] is certainly not aware of what is happening now in the military’s central leadership. He does not know that politics is much stronger now than before," he said. He claimed senior officers close to Malacañang are being eyed for three major posts in the first quarter — Central Command in Cebu, Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga and Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao. He also noted tensions between members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 who are being promoted and Class 1977 who are only redeployed. He added even officers from Class 1979 are affected by "highly politicized maneuverings." — E. T. Marcelo and A. D. B. Romero, BusinessWorld