PMA Class '77: We remain supportive of military leadership

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Masikap" Class of 1977 on Tuesday belied rumors that its members are disgruntled after being bypassed in the recent top appointments at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, vice commander of the Philippine Navy and PMA Class '77 president, branded as "a disinformation campaign" reports that he and his classmates did not welcome the recent appointments of officers less senior than them, including military chief Gen. Delfin Bangit. Bangit's former post as commanding general of the Philippine Army was given to then National Capital Region Command chief Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu. The NCRCOM post, meanwhile, was handed down to Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, formerly the Philippine Navy chief of staff. Bangit, Mapagu and Angue all belong to the PMA "Makatarungan" Class of 1978, which has President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as its honorary member. In a PMA Class of 1977 statement, Cortez maintained that they remain supportive of the military leadership. "The allegation is a mere disinformation campaign. There could be sinister moves by some quarters to divide the AFP. The class remains supportive of the AFP leadership. The class members shall continue to discharge their duties as professional soldiers in the AFP in the midst of these intrigues," the statement read. In a chance interview with reporters at Camp Crame last week, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer said he did "not necessarily" feel bad about the new appointments, adding he respected the President's decision to appoint officials that are his juniors. "The decision has been made. Ganun naman sa military kapag may decision na [It's like that in the military once a decision is made]. We just follow the order," said Ferrer, a member of PMA Class of 1977. Members of Ferrer's PMA class were not the only ones supposedly bothered by the continued reports trying to pit generals against each other. Even the Philippine National Police was not spared from the reported conflict among generals. PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa reportedly earned the ire of Mrs. Arroyo for saying he would not support Bangit if he allows the President to extend her term beyond June 30. Malacañang and PNP officials, however, dismissed the supposed rift as "intrigues." — with Mark Merueñas/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV