DND chief's bribery claim ‘surprises’ AFP

The claims of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales Jr. about poll attempted bribery on poll officials, the military and police wherein two presidential candidates stand to benefit have caught the Armed Forces by surprise. In a radio interview Friday, military information chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said they are not aware of any bribery attempt by any candidate, at least to officials of the Armed Forces. "We are not aware of the information but we are going to verify this report. Makakasiguro kayo kung sino man kung may grupong may tangkang suhulan ang AFP, hindi ito magtatagumpay (You can be sure that whatever this group is, it will not succeed in bribing the AFP)," Burgos said in an interview on dwIZ radio. On Wednesday night, Gonzales told a Bishop-Ulama Conference forum in Davao City that at least two presidential bets stand to "benefit" from the alleged bribery. [See: Poll officials, AFP and PNP being bribed to rig elections — DND chief] Gonzales claimed the alleged bribery was noticed by the Defense Department some days ago, but declined to give more details. He said one of the targets of the cheating was the southern Luzon region. "A fund is being prepared to give to some officials," he said, indicating one of his sources is from the Commission on Elections who declined the bribe. The Comelec has since asked Gonzales to show proof of the alleged bribery attempt on poll officials. [See: Comelec to DND chief Gonzales: Show proof of bribery] But Burgos said the AFP will not allow such bribery, saying it had already been busy preparing for honest and credible elections since January. Still, he warned any AFP official or soldier receiving bribes that they will face sanctions, including discharge from the service and liabilities before civilian courts. "Simula January, sige na ang preparations. Sampung araw na lang. Di tayo bibigay sa ganito (Since January we have been preparing full blast. There are 10 days left before the elections. We will not let our efforts go to waste)," he said. AFP on red alert Meanwhile, the Philippine military went on red alert Friday in preparation for the elections. "Effective today we have declared red alert for all AFP units throughout the country. Ang ating (Our) leaves and privileges are canceled," he said. "We will ensure the integrity of the elections will be protected by the AFP and Philippine National Police," he added. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV