AFP chief Brawner to soldiers: Shun destabilization plots

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presided over the change of command within the Western Mindanao Command on Friday. (Julie S. Alipala / INQUIRER)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Employees Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday cautioned troopers in opposition to collaborating in any destabilization plot in opposition to the federal government.

In his message through the change of command ceremony on the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), Brawner mentioned the AFP management is agency in its dedication to the chain of command and the duly constituted authorities of the nation.

“As soon as we discover out that any of the energetic personnel are concerned (in destabilization), we are going to knock swiftly however judiciously,” he vowed.

Brawner additionally appealed to destabilization plotters: “Please don’t contain the energetic personnel of the AFP.”

He revealed that there have been efforts to recruit from among the many ranks of the AFP. “Maraming humihikayat sa mga particular person members natin,” he mentioned.

“Marami tayong naririnig ngayon na mga masasabi na destabilization efforts, na dapat palitan ang ating pangulo, dapat magkaroon ng coup d’etat,” Brawner informed the troopers.

“Sadly a few of them are former officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Nakausap ko ang iba sa kanila; sabi ko, you will have the precise to do this as a result of we’re in a democracy however please don’t contain the energetic personnel of the AFP,” Brawner mentioned.

Talking to journalists after the ceremony, Brawner clarified that the destabilization effort will not be widespread.

“Wala naman tayong naririnig na malawakang galawan however might mga (actions) nung September 21; might mga grupo na nagsasabi na magazine rally tayo. Alam natin kung ano ang layunin nila. We’re warning our troopers to not be part of any of this motion (as) we wish our nation to maneuver ahead to progress,” Brawner mentioned.

Brawner presided over the handover of Wesmincom from Main Normal Steve Crespillo to Lieutenant Normal William Gonzales, erstwhile AFP Inspector Normal. Crespillo, in flip, can be taking up Gonzales’ earlier submit.

Brawner mentioned the swapping of positions is a “very uncommon event within the army.”

Crespillo, who belongs to the Philippine Navy Academy (PMA) “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, took over the helm of Wesmincom from Lt. Gen. Roy Galido final September 5.

Gonzales is a graduate of PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989. Previous to his stint as Inspector Normal, Gonzales served as commander of the eleventh Infantry Division overlaying Sulu.