Ex-AFP chief succumbs to cancer

MANILA, Philippines - Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit died at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City Friday afternoon. He was 58.

Bangit reportedly suffered from various illnesses, including colon cancer and diabetes, for months.

His remains lie at the mortuary of the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. He will be transferred to Camp Aguinaldo for full military honors on Tuesday.

“Flags in all camps of the AFP are now on half-mast to honor the former AFP chief,” Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, said yesterday.

“The AFP is one with Gen. Bangit’s family in their hour of grief as we honor a bemedalled soldier, an officer and a gentleman who served our nation professionally,” he said.

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978, Bangit was codenamed “Emperor” during his stint as commander of the Intelligence Service of the AFP.

He was designated as the 51st commanding general of the Philippine Army in May 2009 prior to his appointment as AFP chief in March 2010, or just two months before the 2010 national elections. His appointment drew controversy as it was considered a midnight appointment.

He was supposed to serve as AFP chief until July 2011, but was forced to retire barely four months into his post by the Aquino administration.

With his early retirement, he devoted his time to his family and involved himself in apostolic ministry, being a devout Catholic and an active Cursillo member.

A seasoned intelligence officer, Bangit was credited for working behind the scenes along with then Philippine National Police chief Jesus Verzosa to insulate the police and military from politics in the 2010 elections.

“He took extra effort in allaying the people’s fears amid doubts on his leadership and the stand of the AFP. Without any ambiguity, he declared his stand for the Constitution and stood up to insulate the AFP from politics. He retired early after more than 36 years in the military service,” Zagala said.

Bangit was also credited for the success in military operations against the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu.

It was also during his term that the strength of the New People’s Army significantly decreased to less than 4,000 fighters and confined to only five areas.