MANILA, Philippines -- Military adventurism is a “treacherous act” and it is the duty of soldiers to uphold duly-elected authorities, Armed Forces Chief Alexander Yano told the Marine Corps Monday.

In his first visit to the Marine Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio as military chief on Monday, Yano told officers and soldiers that turning against government was like embracing someone, before stabbing him in the back.

"We have taken an oath, and what is that oath, to defend the Constitution, to adhere to the chain of command and the duly constituted authority, all the way to the commander-in-chief, whoever he is," Yano said.

"Duly constituted, this means [the person] was elected, was proclaimed, regardless," Yano said before breaking into a pause, then added, "Because there are processes, legal and democratic that proclaim, indeed it is not for us to proclaim."

Yano was apparently referring to allegations of election fraud that almost brought down President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's government.

The vote-rigging controversy is the main reason why nine Marine officers and 19 others from the Scout Rangers are facing a court martial for mutiny over an alleged coup plot in February 2006.

"That should be very clear to all of us that military adventurism should not have any place in a professional military organization," the military chief said.

"The analogy there is, you were given arms, you were given the wherewithal and weapons by that institution you are supposed to defend, then what you embrace, then stab the one who feeds you, the one who pays you, in the back. That is a very treacherous act," he added.

After his talk, Yano and Marines Chief Major General Ben Dolorfino joined officers and men in a "boodle fight." Two long tables were laid out on the side of the auditorium Rice, roasted fish, chicken adobo (meat stew), and pancit (noodles) on banana leaves were placed on it.

Earlier Monday, Yano also visited the Philippine Navy headquarters in
Manila, where he was received by the Navy Flag Officer-in-Command,
Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag.