AFP troops asked to remain neutral

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin yesterday reminded the military to remain neutral and apolitical during the upcoming 2013 polls.

Speaking to military officers during the New Year’s call of the Armed Forces and the Defense department, Gazmin also cited the need to ensure the conduct of peaceful elections on May.

“It is the time for us to strictly observe the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections and to remain apolitical and non-partisan at all times,” Gazmin said.

“It is a new chance for us to translate into action our patriotic pledge to work for the ultimate well-being of our country and people,” he added.

Gazmin also called on the Armed Forces to “pursue our fight against all forms of bureaucratic ills and corruption.”

“It is the proper time for us to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of true public service,” he said.

“It is the time for us to renew our pledge to strictly follow the chain of command and exercise utmost prudence in the discharge of our security duties and functions.”

The New Year’s call was held in Camp Aguinaldo and was attended by defense officials, representatives from 62 offices under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 16 foreign armed forces attachés.

In the same event, Gazmin asked the military to work for the realization of the goals of its security plan and to abide by the conditions required of the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“It is also the time for us to reaffirm our pledge to protect human rights, respect international humanitarian law and obey the rule of law,” Gazmin said.

“It is likewise an opportunity for us to re-assess and strengthen our protective and survival techniques and strategies, to ensure that our citizens are kept from harm during the onslaughts of natural disasters and calamities,” he said.

Gazmin said the enactment of the new AFP modernization law would enable the military to upgrade its capabilities.

The new law, which was signed by President Aquino last Dec. 11, allots P75 billion for the first five years of the modernization program.

The law was designed to enhance the capabilities of the military, which have been seriously depleted due to lack of resources.

AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said 2012 has been a good year for the defense and security sector.

“Our soldiers have remarkably carried out their duties in ensuring that our country is kept secured and economically thriving, whether in times of disasters, in peacekeeping, community building or in defending our people against armed threats,” Dellosa said.

“I am certain that our people’s trust in their national defense and their AFP will definitely continue increasing and we assure them that we will never falter in our duties,” he added.