“Unity walk” show of loyalty to GMA — PNP, AFP chiefs

February 26, 2008

Top military and police officials renewed their allegiance to the chain of command and to the Constitution in a “unity walk” despite controversies hounding the Commander-in-Chief, President Arroyo.

“It is not a show of force,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said of the “spontaneous” unity walk, which was also attended by at least 100 officers and men from both the AFP and the from Philippine National Police, including PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr.

“We are sincerely joining the whole nation in celebration of the spirit of Edsa (I),” he added.

“This is also, to be candid about it, to dispel rumors, this information that some of us have planned or have indeed joined

destabilization efforts,” Esperon told a joint press conference.

On Feb. 24, the 28 detained officers of the Philippine Marines and the Army Scout Rangers called on troops to get out of their barracks and join the communal action of the people.

“So now, you see the service commanders, the unified commanders joining hands with the Philippine National Police for a solid chain of command…This is meant to calm the people especially those who are here in Metro Manila,” said Esperon.

The unity walk took place hours before various groups, including from the political opposition, were to gather at the same People’s Power Monument to protest what they said was rampant corruption in government and to demand the resignation of President Arroyo.

He stressed that the military will never intervene in the political crisis, caused by the controversial National Broadband Network deal with China’s ZTE Corp.

“It has been proved time and again that the more that the military intervenes, the more that democratic institutions weaken,” he said.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, for his part, said he has been making rounds on Army units for the past days but has not monitored any grumblings from within the ranks of the Army.

He, however, was quick to clarify that his visits are not loyalty checks.

“In the last few days, I’ve been out visiting our units in at least three to four units in the Visayas and Mindanao and this is part of my rounds, not loyalty check, but to remind our troops about their constitutional mandate, about their jobs in the light of what’s going on in Metro Manila,” Yano said.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said concerns within the Air Force are being attended by the leadership.

On the alleged grumblings, he said, Air Force commanders have already faced the media over the weekend to publicly say their allegiance to the chain of command.

“We would like to assure the public that there is no grumblings within the Air Force. There might be some concerns but these are being addressed. Everybody can go to me if they have problems. So I assure the public that there are no grumblings (in the Air Force),” he said.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag said the presence of top Navy officials, including Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, in the “unity walk” proves that they are with the chain of command.

For his part, Razon vowed that the police force will remain steadfast in its mandate in upholding democracy that the Filipino people regained through Edsa I and in protecting the freedom and civil liberties that our people now enjoy.”

“It is unfortunate, however, that some quarters are now commemorating the Edsa revolt in an entirely different political theme.

Suggestions of political intervention by the police and military are totally uncalled for, and is seen as an insult to members of the police and military as dignified professionals, he added.

“We in the PNP will not get ourselves involved in politics, much less in political intervention in the affairs of the state. Ours is the exclusive mandate to serve and protect the people,” the PNP chief stressed.

Razon also reiterated the PNP establishment’s loyalty to the chain of the command.

“The PNP remains united and loyal behind the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities. Our Chain of Command is inviolable and respected by all personnel,” he said.

Malacañang, for its part, urged critics of the President to stop wooing the military and the police to abandon the leadership of Mrs. Arroyo.

Deputy presidential spokesman Lorelei Fajardo said the unity march shown by the AFP at PNP leaderships must serve as signal to these groups and individuals to stop destabilizing the military and police ranks.

“The PNP and AFP’s declaration of loyalty to the Constitution and support to the duly elected officials should give a clear signal to the anti-government groups that any move to destabilize the government will not be successful,” she added.

Sherwin C. Olaes, Gina Peralta-Elorde and PNA

Bookmark to: