Military to stay away from politics

THE military will keep its distance from the conflict between the President and the Chief Justice, and focus on its role of keeping the peace, said the Armed Forces Central Command chief yesterday.

In a press conference Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Centcom chief, said they will leave it to the national leadership to deal with the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“We are focusing on our jobs. In any democracy, an impeachment could happen. We have to respect these things,” Villanueva said.

He said it is important for the military to stay away from politics to avoid being used by interest groups.

Villanueva said Centcom would focus on keeping Central Visayas safe for the holidays and strengthen local governments through their “bayanihan” campaign.

“We will renew our campaign to improve the AFP IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Plan) bayanihan. Next year, we hope that more areas will be peaceful and progressive,” he said.

Villanueva assured that Centcom will be transparent to the Cebu media, whom he described as a partner for development in the region. Correspondents Rhea Ruth V. Rosell and Chito Aragon