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Monday, July 31, 2006
Ranking US official tells military cadets ‘to be loyal’
By Rimaliza Opiña
US Assistant Secretary of State Chirstopher Hill reminded would-be soldiers studying at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) here to remain loyal to their country and government.
Hill, who is US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, made the appeal amid an investigation being conducted by the military of officials and soldiers involved in the aborted February coup against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Hill said reforms in the Armed Forces are being undertaken, albeit this does not come quickly. And while soldiers are primarily trained in combat he said plans on strengthening the bilateral relationship of the Philippine and the US would focus more on the humanitarian aspect of being in the military.
With natural calamities that since shook the Asia-Pacific region such as the tsunami in Indonesia and Thailand, and the Leyte tragedy here, Hill stressed that military aid in the form of humanitarian work and disaster relief operations are more needed.
A US$12 million grant was allotted for the reformation of the country?s military system, particularly on counter-terrorism and regional security, said US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, who was with Hill during his visit here Sunday.
And while in the process of reinforcing a mutual agreement between the Philippines and the US, Hill reminded the cadets that in the effort to combat terrorism, they have to "constantly uphold (their) duty to the nation and the rule of law. To understand the chain of command and embrace your responsibility."
"The PMA motto (of) courage, integrity and loyalty is not practiced just on the battlefield but should be carried on in your everyday lives - during and even beyond your career," said Hill.
(July 31, 2006 issue)
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