New NCRCom chief vows to be non-partisan

MANILA, Philippines - The newly installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) anti-coup unit in Metro Manila said yesterday that he and his entire command will remain nonpartisan in the May 10 national and local elections.

Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue was installed yesterday by AFP chief Delfin Bangit as head of the National Capital Region Command (NCRCom), replacing Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, who was named chief of the Philippine Army.

“I shall see to it that together with the whole Armed Forces, the NCRCOM will work to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections in the National Capital Region,” Angue said in his speech.

A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1978, Angue’s designation as NCRCom chief is reportedly to prepare him to become the next Philippine Navy commander when Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez retires on May 16.

Angue said today’s military commanders have been subjected to intense scrutiny, and this only becomes more intense as they rise higher in the ranks.

Angue was apparently referring to criticisms that he got his new position with the backing of Bangit and President Arroyo, an adopted member of PMA Class of 1978.  – Jaime Laude