MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s decision to relieve an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) senior intelligence officer over the publication of an erroneous list of alleged New People’s Army rebels showed professionalism and willingness to take responsibility for errors, the University of the Philippines (UP) said Friday.
UP also praised Lorenzana’s “decisive” action to sack AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2) Maj. Gen. Alex Luna for releasing the said list, which wrongfully included some UP graduates.
“Secretary Lorenzana’s move displayed professionalism and a willingness to take responsibility for and rectify errors, especially errors as grievous and potentially life-threatening as this list,” the university said in a statement.
“As UP stands for honor and excellence, we recognize and salute honor wherever it is manifested,” it added.
Lorenzana had called the release of the list an “unforgivable lapse.”
“His negligence only shows a lackadaisical attitude towards his job resulting in confusion and damage to reputation,” the Department of National Defense chief said.
“We do not take these offenses lightly, and I want to hold the people involved accountable,” he added.
As for Free Legal Assistance Group member Raffy Aquino, who was erroneously included in the NPA list, the relief of Luna was not enough. He said unanswered questions about how the military generated the controversial list should be answered.