Alliance Update

March 9, 2010

PGMA Appoints Her Man-Lt.Gen. Delfin Bangit as AFP Chief

Los Angeles-- The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) greeted with scorn and disgust the designation of President Gloria M. Arroyo of Gen. Delfin Bangit, a former spy master called the “emperor,” as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced to reporters Monday the appointment of Bangit, who headed the Presidential Security Group (PSG) during three coup attempts against her administration.

The Army chief will take over from Gen. Victor Ibrado in ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, when Ibrado turns 56, the mandatory retirement age in the 120,000-strong AFP.

The Alliance-Philippines further declared: “ The full circle was completed. With Bangit as the head, now, the PMA Class 1978 has an absolute hold on the AFP and the PNP. The AFP needs no coup. The Class 1978 just need to make an announcement of a coup or a military take-over and it is done.

The Filipinos have to brace themselves for more human rights violations, jackboot suppression of their democratic rights and a farcical elections.’

Rumbling within the AFP

The appointment of Bangit, senior aide-de-camp of Ms Arroyo when she was vice president, was described by detained Marine Col. Ariel Querubin as the “prize of loyalty.”

A group of soldiers calling themselves the “Magdalo” that staged coup attempts in 2003 and 2007 said it hoped that Bangit would help ensure credible elections in May. “Everyone is aware of the issues previously raised prior to this appointment,” said Magdalo spokesperson Ashley Acedillo, a candidate for Cebu congressman.

Alarms from the Opposition

In a statement, Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said that “many groups are [concerned] that the neutrality of the AFP in the coming elections is severely at risk with someone as fiercely loyal to the President as (Bangit) now at the helm of the AFP.”

Aquino hoped that Bangit “will rise beyond utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and perform his constitutional duty” to ensure a fair and peaceful election.

Aquino’s running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, told reporters Bangit’s appointment was alarming. “A lot of senior officers were bypassed by this class and officers from this class control almost all of the major service commands. We have to be alert that any sinister plan of this government will not prosper,” said Roxas.

“His appointment does not bode well for the morale of the AFP rank and file and it raises the specter of an electoral fraud,” said Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo.

He noted that Ms Arroyo was seeking a congressional seat and was eyeing the House speakership. He added that Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales was pushing for a greater role of the AFP in the May elections.

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