Yano: Politics in AFP is dead

BY VICTOR REYES

POLITICS, the "enemy" of the Armed Forces, is dead.

AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano made this declaration yesterday at the 73rd foundation anniversary of the military in Camp Aguinaldo.

He said the enemy "has enticed the ambitious to interfere in the realm of pure politics while still clad in the soldier’s uniform and while still bearing arms."

Yano said some quarters continue to entice the soldier with the "lure of political power" but soldiers now are not listening.

"To these unscrupulous merchants of political wares, I say, leave the AFP alone," he said.

President Arroyo, who attended the celebration, has survived at least three major attempts by military men to oust her. The first was in July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, then in February 2006, and the last in Manila Peninsula incident in November last year.

Yano cited the heroism of a number of soldiers, including Lt. Col. Angel Benitez who died during the August 18 attack on Kolambugan town in Lanao del Norte by rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels. Dozens of civilians also died in the attack.

He reported the military is on track in its objective to defeat the communist New People’s Army before or by 2010 as ordered by Arroyo.

The military estimates the NPA strength at about 5,000 men.

He said troops continue to dismantle guerrilla fronts, reducing the remnants of communist terror from 87 to just 63 as of the third quarter of this year.

Arroyo said the military could focus on securing the country with the death of the "enemy."

She said her administration’s focus is on the continued implementation of pro-poor and economic reform agenda which have helped made the country "the strongest and most resilient economy in decades."

Arroyo said the global economic crisis has already affected about two-thirds of the world but the Philippines continues to grow at 4.6 percent. Through a mix of careful planning, economic reforms, and the hard work of many people, "we have thus far prevented the global crisis from becoming a Philippine crisis," she said.

Arroyo also said additional funds would be allotted for upgrading the country’s defense capability through acquisition of new helicopters, automatic weapons, inflatable boats, and other facilities and equipment.