Series of releases no setback for us — AFP spokesman

First, the Morong 43 were released. No less than President Benigno Aquino III on December 17 ordered the release of the 43 health workers, arrested by the military on suspicion of being communist rebels, and the dropping of charges against them. Then, the next day, the former military comptroller and suspected plunderer Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia was freed on bail. This, despite facing charges of obtaining an ill-gotten P300 million in bribe money. Finally, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was released — albeit temporarily. Trillanes was awarded temporary freedom by Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148, as it deferred the announcement of its verdict on the 2003 Oakwood mutineers, which the former Navy officer and incumbent Senator had led. The Makati court deferred its decision, following the President’s decision to grant amnesty to soldiers and policemen involved in three alleged attempts to overthrow the former Arroyo administration. But despite the series of releases of high-profile detainees, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which was involved in these arrests, remains unfazed. “We don't look at all of these as a setback. Remember the AFP is apolitical," military spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta told reporters Tuesday, during the celebration of the AFP's 75th anniversary. The decisions to release Trillanes, Garcia, and the "Morong 43" were "political decisions," Mabanta added, saying that as “part of the chain of command," his organization would abide by these decisions. "There might be different opinions but at the end of the day, this is a political decision and we will abide by it," he said. Mabanta said the Armed Forces had long expressed its respect toward Aquino's decision to grant amnesty to Trillanes, and had already put the issue behind it. "We believe that military adventurism is a thing of the past. Let's move on. Let's forget about the problem that we had to carry," he said. "These are bad memories that we would like to once and for all forget," he added. Mabanta also said that he hopes Trillanes could finally perform his functions better, now that the lawmaker could be physically present in Senate proceedings. "This is an opportunity for former AFP members to be of help to us," Mabanta added. He cited as examples Senators Trillanes and Gregorio Honasan, as well as Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon as among a number of former servicemen now serving as legislators. - DM/KBK, GMANews.TV