No demoralization in military ranks but Aquino works to win over AFP
By Mario J. Mallari 07/13/2010 The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday downplayed the reported demoralization within the ranks of the 120,000-strong military organization following recent and upcoming top-level “re-assignments.” In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said the issue was not even discussed during the first command conference of President Aquino with the military top brass. “I don’t think there is any demoralization. There are just individuals who are airing their sentiments as to changes in leadership,” he told reporters when asked whether the appointment of senior officers associated with Aquino’s allies and supporters had created discontent in the ranks. “As we have always said there will be no demotion in position but probably lateral movement and, of course, upward because we have to fill in the gap created by vacancies and ensuing vacancies because of retirement,” Mabanta added. While admitting the such sentiments were normal, Mabanta urged the officers who have sentiments regarding the “movements” to avail of the established AFP grievance mechanism. “The sentiments of some officers that were affected are but just normal and we encourage that. There are systems, there are grievance systems in the Armed Forces that can be instituted to and we are very democratic and we will listen to everyone,” Mabanta said. Source: The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100713hed4.html |
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