Philippine military chief General Delfin Bangit said he does not consider his impending early retirement as a "sacrifice" stemming from the pressure of the next commander-in-chief wanting him out of his post.
Rather, Bangit — in his farewell message Tuesday to troops of the Army's 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City — said he considered the move as doing service not only for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but also for all Filipinos.
Bangit said his departure from his current post was "the right thing to do" and would "do good to the AFP."
Still, he urged the troops to "respect, support, obey and honor the next Commander in Chief and the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines."
Reports have it that the next military chief might come from the Philippine Military Academy "Masikap" Class of 1977. Bangit belongs to the PMA "Makatarungan" Class of 1978, which counts outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as its honorary member.
Two names have been floated as Bangit's possible successor: Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer and Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David. Both are members of PMA Class 1977.
'Code of Conduct'
In his speech on Tuesday, Bangit praised members of the 4th ID for their role in the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 10 elections. Bangit once served as the 4th ID's Intelligence Officer (G2) during his years as a field grade officer.
He reminded the troops to adhere to the "Code of Conduct of Filipino Soldiers," specifically that of "civilian supremacy over the military" but without becoming individuals of "lesser stature" to civilians.
Since Monday, Bangit has been making the rounds in military camps to bid the troops goodbye as he prepares for his early retirement.
Also on Tuesday, Bangit dropped by Camp Elias Angeles in Pili town, Camarines Sur in the eastern Philippine region of Bicol also for farewell ceremonies. [See: Bangit bids govt troops in Bicol goodbye]
Bangit's original retirement date falls on July 31, 2011 when he turns 56, the mandatory retirement age for military officers and enlisted men.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said Bangit's decision to go on early retirement was triggered by a number of factors, including Aquino's repeated statements to media that he does not want Bangit as his military chief upon assuming the presidency. — with Mark Merueñas/RSJ/LBG
