New NCRCom chief takes over amid controversy

Amid a raging controversy, the new commander of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) said Wednesday he is going to review the programs of his outspoken predecessor. In a radio interview, Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero said he will continue the positive programs implemented by former NCRCom chief, Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, who has been reassigned to be commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao based in Zamboanga City. "Yung NCRCom, ang mandate is to protect the NCR. So ang gagawin ko lang is to review the program of my predecessor Rear Admiral Angue, itutuloy ko yan. Siguro maganda yan for the good of the NCR (Since the NCRCom's mandate is to protect the National Capital Region, what I will do is to review the program of my predecessor Rear Admiral Angue. I will continue the programs that are for the good of the NCR)," Tabaquero said in an interview on dzRH radio.

He said he wants the NCRCom under him to be ready to respond to any threat or emergency, noting that the unit, revived in 2003 to combat threats of coup d' etat in Metro Manila, had been handled by "very good generals and officers." Both Tabaquero and Angue are members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Makatarungan" Class of 1978, which counts former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as its honorary member. For his part, Angue admitted he was leaving his post with a heavy heart, but quickly stressed he will follow orders like a good soldier. "Ako [ay] isang totoong sundalo ng ating bansa. Kung saan ako itapon, kung saan mang lugar, susunod ako sa utos. Bagamat may bigat sa aking dibdib dahil sa demotion (I am a true soldier of our nation. Where I am dumped, I will follow orders, even if I feel badly about it)," he said in a separate interview on dzRH. Partisan officers? Angue became controversial after he disclosed that some military officers took sides during the May 10 elections. He said the officers, whom he did not identify, attended "clandestine meetings" with the candidates or their representatives during the 2010 election period. (See: Some soldiers took sides in May 10 polls — NCRCom chief) Shortly after his disclosure, it was announced that Angue would be relieved as NCRCom chief. He then described it as a "demotion" since the NCRCom is a post for a three-star general, making him eligible for promotion to vice admiral. The Naval Forces Western Mindanao post is for a two-star general. On Monday, the military leadership said Angue faces possible investigation over the Navy officer's statements given to media concerning his relief, which the Armed Forces described as bordering on insubordination and violation of the AFP Code of Ethics. (See: Angue could face probe for 'insubordination,' AFP says) On Tuesday, two lawmakers said the case of Angue could cause a possible instability within the Armed Forces, as they called for a congressional inquiry regarding the promotion and assignment system in the military. (See: Angue 'demotion' could cause AFP instability — lawmakers) — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV