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Angue 'demotion' could cause AFP instability — lawmakers


Two lawmakers on Tuesday warned that the alleged 'demotion' of Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue could cause a possible instability in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon and Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone have thus sought a congressional probe into the promotions and assignment system of the AFP. Biazon, chairman of the House defense committee, said he will file a resolution seeking an inquiry "into the sufficiency of rules, regulations and laws on the selection of officers in the Armed Forces for promotion and or assignment to major positions especially." At a press conference, he said Angue's "demotion" has caused a stir among military officers. "There are rumblings right now, I don't know if the President (Benigno Simeon Aquino III) is aware of this. Let’s hope that these are just rumblings but we need to address it, we cannot ignore these," said Biazon, a former military chief. In a text message, Evardone said Congress should make sure that the standard operating procedures are being followed to ensure professionalism in the service. "The allegations of General Angue are very serious because if true it might demoralized the ranks of the AFP," the former governor said. Biazon, a former senator, wanted to know if the criteria for the selection of officers for promotion or assignment are still being followed. "I'm conducting this inquiry to determine whether or not these machanism and critera are sufficient or we need additional legislation. We cannot and we should not have these repeating situation of questions on promotions and assignments to major positions because they can only produce instability in the Armed Forces such as what we are witnessing today," he said. He said the House should examine Republic Act 291 which prescribes the creation of the Board of Generals and Board of Promotions and Standard Operating Procedure 10 which provides the criteria for promotion. The Board of Generals tackles the issue of selecting who among the senior colonels, senior generals should be promoted further to the next rank or for assignment to major positions including brigade commanders, division commanders, area commanders and service commanders while the Board of Promotions tackles promotions and assignments in the flag rank and in the lower ranks. Biazon refused to give a statement about Angue's situation pending the conduct of the inquiry. At a press conference on Monday, Angue expressed disappointment over the AFP’s decision to relieve him as the commander of the National Capital Region Command. He views it as a "demotion" because his assignment at the NCRCom is a three-star position, making him eligible for promotion to Vice-Admiral. However, his new assignment as chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Zamboanga City is only a two-star position. The military leadership, however, did not take lightly Angue's outburst. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said Angue faces possible investigation for insubordination. — VVP, GMANews.TV

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