AFP belittles support for Lim

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Monday said that they do not see a threat in a paid advertisement of military groups Monday expressing support for a detained official on rebellion charges. "The advertisement is a mere expression of thoughts of supporters of [Brig. Gen. Danilo P. Lim] which are also the same as the general aspirations of the Filipino people," AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto C. Torres, Jr. told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo. He noted, however, that the support was questionable as one of the signatories, retired Maj. Gen. Johnny Gomez, has denied joining the group. This claim could not be independently confirmed. Ten military groups have expressed their support for the leadership of Lim in a published advertisement Monday. The 10 military groups are Rebolusyonaryong 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 military groups said they have agreed to unite under Mr. Lim’s leadership for peace, progress and prosperity. Mr. Lim is former Scout Rangers commander. He is facing court martial proceedings for his alleged involvement in a failed coup in February 2006 during the celebration of EDSA 2, which toppled President Joseph E. Estrada in 2001. Mr. Torres said the AFP sees no problem in the advertisement since most of the signatories have retired from military service. He said the AFP would check how many signatories are still in active service. "We have to look into how the ad was crafted and consult military lawyers if a violation of those active in the service was committed." In a statement provided to reporters Monday, Mr. Lim said: "Not one to shirk away from challenges and responsibilities, I accept the mantle of leadership bestowed upon me by the collective wisdom of the leaders and followers of the various reformists groups." Sought for comment, Ateneo de Manila University political science professor Benito Lim said the advertisement shows continuing divisions within the AFP. "The advertisement shows that the current administration has no solid hold on the military and police. It was deliberately timed with the EDSA anniversary to show once again the support for the goals of Gen. Lim," he said in a separate interview. - BusinessWorld