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Monday, September 12, 2005
'Controversy over Adan appointment won't cause destabilization'
By Ben O. Tesiorna
CONTROVERSY over the appointment of former military deputy chief, Lieutenant General Edilberto Adan, as the new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Southern Command will not cause any rift in the Armed Forces of the Philippines that might push some soldiers to do a military junta.
This was the opinion of two high-ranking military officials after the much-favored Major General Samuel Bagasin, commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao was not chosen by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to head the Southcom post.
Adan, a 1972 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), assumed Friday as the new head of the Southern Command, replacing Lieutenant General Alberto Braganza who retired Friday.
Marines Brigadier General Ben Dolorfino said President Arroyo might have other considerations in appointing Adan over Bagasin.
He said Adan's appointment is not enough reason for some officers to conduct any destabilization effort.
Task Force Davao Chief Colonel Eduardo del Rosario supported Bagasin's statement, but refuses to make any further comment on the controversial appointment of Adan.
Adan's appointment believed to have been heavily criticized by many senior military officers because it was Bagasin who was nominated by the Armed Forces Board of Generals.
Most of Adan's previous postings were administrative and at one time he was named as PMA superintendent and as AFP spokesman.
Bagasin, a member of the PMA Class 1973, is a decorated veteran in the Mindanao anti-insurgency campaign and well respected by other generals, according to critics of Adan.
Bagasin also served as the AFP deputy chief for operations in 2002 and later as commander of the 5th Infantry Division in Northern Luzon.
He was behind the arrest of many communist insurgents and the capture of major camps of the New People's Army (NPA) in Mindanao.
Many senior military officials were reportedly disgusted over Adan's assumption because of the short time he would serve as commander of the Southern Command.
Adan is due to retire in January 11 of next year.
Adan, a known supporter of Arroyo, said he himself was surprised when told Thursday to take over the Southern Command.
AFP Chief General Generoso Senga meanwhile warned soldiers to remain apolitical.
"There are some who are convincing us to support their political agenda, but we should always uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. We will always remain apolitical," he said during his speech at the turn over ceremony last Friday.
(September 12, 2005 issue)
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