FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar /Photo from AFPCMOS Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Having two former military chiefs at the helm of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the National Security Council (NSC) is suitable for coordination, the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel’s Rundown on Monday, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said it would also be good to have ex-military officials leading these agencies as they carry a soldier’s mentality — where the focus is placed on accomplishing missions.
Aguilar was referring to former AFP Chiefs of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. and Eduardo Año, who were recently appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as Defense Secretary and National Security Adviser, respectively.
“We know how military officers work, they are (focused) onto the mission, they will do everything to make sure the mission is accomplished. I think that’s one advantage that you can factor in when you talk about military officers even if they are already retired because we are used in mission accomplishment, that is our bread and butter everyday,” he said.
Aguilar also said they have a good relationship with Año, even during his stint as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
“I think it’s more on the relationship because we’ve been working with Secretary Año since he was a military officer, he became the commanding general of the Philippine Army, chief of staff of the [AFP], and even when he occupied the position of DILG secretary,” the AFP spokesperson said.
“So it’s been a continuing working relation with him that we can nurture,” he added.
There has been a shakeup in the leadership within the country’s defense establishments after Marcos placed Gen. Andres Centino back as AFP Chief of Staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro.
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After Centino’s return, DND officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. resigned, prompting the President to tap the services of Galvez. Afterward, Marcos named Año National Security Adviser (NSA), replacing former NSC head Clarita Carlos.
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When asked if Carlos was replaced due to run-ins with military officials, Aguilar said that some officials might fail to develop a good relationship with the former NSA.
Aguilar clarified, though, that Carlos was qualified to take on the role of NSA, because she used to head the National Defense Council of the Philippines.
“Professor Carlos was very welcome in the security sector, of course, there could be some individuals who may not have a good relationship with her, but as far as the organization is concerned, we are professional and therefore we are going to deal with whoever is designated by the President as National Security Adviser,” he said.
“It was not a factor I think because Professor Carlos was once the president of the National Defense Council of the Philippines, where national security is discussed heavily, so that should not be a factor to be considered because I think she is also qualified,” he added.
During the first week of January, there were several rumors that unrest was brewing within the AFP, and that a mass resignation was coming.
While no mass resignation has officially occurred as of now, Aguilar admitted earlier that they were surprised at the speed of the changes in important defense institutions.