No junta in the making—top AFP officials

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Delfin Bangit met with top military officials on Wednesday to dispel persistent talks about a so-called plot to set up a military junta should national elections fail on May 10. Bangit and the AFP officials who attended the command conference in Camp Aguinaldo dismissed the idea of a junta as clearly unconstitutional, according to AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos. "The attendees affirmed that there is no junta and there will never be any junta...Our ranks will strictly adhere to the chain of command. General Bangit together with the staff (present) reiterated our stand that we will support and defend the Constitution," said Burgos. Among those who attended the conference were AFP deputy chief Vice Admiral Emilio Marayag, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, and members of the AFP’s joint staff. Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu and AFP vice chief Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang were absent. Burgos said rumors about alleged junta plans, including purported meetings between AFP officers and presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, are just attempts to polarize the military, adding that the AFP is not bothered about these reports because it has a “mission to accomplish." “They have ulterior, bad motive, bad intent," said Burgos, referring to the groups seeking to split the military. He did not identify the groups. Burgos said that while the AFP is working to ensure a credible election, it will not allow itself to be divided, nor for its officers and men to engage in partisan politics. The conference also tackled the AFP’s preparations in playing its security role for the May 10 elections, as well as thrusts and programs of the joint staff.—JV, GMANews.TV