CAMP EVANGELISTA -- A top military official denied Friday reports of an alleged "loyalty check" in the Armed Forces due to demoralization among the rank-and-file in light of the exposé of a multi-million "send-off gift" for retiring Generals.
Major General Victor A. Felix, commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, said soldiers at the local level are not affected with the alleged controversy involving multi-million peso send-offs to retiring high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The 4th ID is the largest Army division in Mindanao, covering the Caraga Region and part of Davao.
Felix made the statement Friday in reaction to whether the budget for soldiers assigned at the lower level has been affected by the "send-off" system.
This after some reenlisted soldiers (names withheld) silently protested the delayed release of their clothing allowances, which they depend on for securing brand-new uniforms and clothes they need to perform their job. They said the delay could have been the result of the appropriation of part of the fund for send-off gifts.
Lower-ranked soldiers said they have sold their allowances at a discounted amount just so they could get decent uniforms.
Felix, however, dismissed the claims of the re-enlisted soldiers.
"May mangilan-ilan siguro ang hindi nakatanggap ... 'yong mga na transfer ... but we are finding ways to seek funds at maibigay sa kanila (A few might have had to wait longer for their allowance, those who have been transferred, but we are finding ways to secure the funds to give to them)," he said.
Felix also emphasized that there is transparency in his division under his leadership. "Dito sa division ay open naman tayo sa mga resources. We see to it na ang resources ay transparent ang pag-gamit at nakakarating sa baba (In this division we are open about our resources and how they are used. We make sure those in the lower ranks know)," he said.
The Army general also denied any disturbing actions by soldiers on the ground against the government. Reportedly, the soldiers have been pushed by the issue of corruption in the government's armed forces organization, hence the necessary "loyalty check."
"Wala, walang ganyan dito (There's nothing like that happening here). Our soldiers on the ground are doing their job," Felix said.
However, he expressed his "all-out" support of the Senate investigations regarding the issue, saying, "Whoever are involved have to answer."
He also called on soldiers to calm down, instead, and focus on providing internal security for the public. (Loui S. Maliza)
