AFP unfazed by support for detained general

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday bristled at the statement of military groups expressing support for the leadership of detained military leader Brigadier General Danilo Lim. In an interview on dzBB radio, AFP spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres said they do not perceive the move of 10 groups of active and retired soldiers as a threat to national security. "Kahit na may lumalabas na ganiyan ay wala tayong nakikitang banta sa seguridad ng ating bansa. [These things that come out will not threaten our national security. It would not endanger national security]," Torres said. A national broadsheet on Monday published a paid advertisement of 10 military groups vouching their support for Lim, who is reportedly eyeing public office in the 2010 national elections. Lim, former commander of the Army's elite Scout Rangers, is among the 28 military men being tried in court martial proceedings for their alleged link to the failed military uprising in February 2006. Lim also faces rebellion charges in connection with the November 2007 stand-off at the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City. He is currently detained at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame. Those who have expressed their support to the detained leader include: * Rebolusyong Alyansang Makabayan, * Bagong Katipunan, * Nationalist Army of the Philippines, * Para sa Bayan, * Soldiers of the Filipino People, * Magdalo, * Young Enlisted Soldiers with Active and Retired Military-Police for Solidarity, * Young Officers Union, * Samahang Magdalo, and * Guardians. The groups said that they are "officially united under the leadership of [Brigadier General] Danilo ‘Danny’ Lim" because they aspire "for the collective vision of a country for peace, progress, and prosperity." The groups also said that there is a need to strengthen their ranks "in the face of a ruthless enemy" and that the public clamors for "a new breed of leader." "[Lim] has the essential leadership qualities to steer us toward our vision, has the impeccable character to lead with moral authority, and has consistently displayed uncommon valor and patriotism in the face of extremely difficult situations," they added. The same statement was also posted on the Sundalo website last Friday. In the radio interview, Torres said the soldiers are free to make the move. "Wala naman tayong nakikitang problema na ‘yun. Ang tingin natin doon ay expression ng general aspirations ng grupo na supportive kay Lim." ["I do not see any problem with their move, which I think is an expression of their general aspirations."] Asked who he thinks is the "ruthless enemy" the soldiers were referring to, Torres said that "I would like to assume na tinutukoy nila yung kahirapan na dinaranas natin [that they are referring to the poverty the country is experiencing.] Torres, however, said that the AFP will have to "reassess" the soldiers’ statement. Torres likewise said that he sees the advertisement as a ploy for Lim to gain media exposure. "Initially ang tingin natin dito is part ng media exposure para lalong makilala si General Lim kung merong intension sa isang taon," he said. ["I think this is a means of gaining media exposure so that the public will be acquainted with General Lim, should he have an intention to run for public office next year."] Earlier reports in January quoted the relatives of Lim, national chairman of the Magdalo, as revealing that the military leader may push through with his intent to seek the presidency in 2010. Lim is also said to be seeking to run as mayor of Solano town in Nueva Vizcaya for the coming elections. Lim is a 1978 West Point graduate. Incidentally, both he and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo are considered honorary/adopted members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1978. - GMANews.TV