Palace defends Esperon's appointment as peace adviser

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Monday defended the appointment of retired Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr as peace adviser, saying his military career has given him a deep understanding of the insurgency situation that is essential for his new job. “The appointment of Secretary Esperon as peace adviser augurs well for the peace process. He has a deep understanding of the insurgency situation, having been AFP chief of staff and a civilian," Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said. “Now, he can very well use his experiences in trying to attain the elusive peace everyone desires," she added. Militant organizations as well as some senators had earlier scored Esperon’s appointment, saying it is proof of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's insincerity in the peace talks. Dismissing as “a romantic notion" the perceived increase in military appointments in the government, Fajardo said the Arroyo administration believes in the ability of a former soldier in nation-building, particularly in bringing peace and prosperity. “Their vast experiences and training have prepared them to assume various roles in their civilian life," she said. The military, for its part, is also supportive of Esperon’s appointment. “A soldier can always be a peacemaker," said Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, chief of the public information office of the AFP. “If there is somebody who really would want to have peace, it’s the soldier because if there is violence, the soldiers are the ones who are in the frontlines," he added. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said Esperon is “highly competent" and “more qualified" for his new position. - GMANews.TV