Gazmin to military: Stay apolitical

CEBU, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has reminded all military personnel to stay apolitical at all times in the coming May 2016 elections.

Gazmin said that the involvement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel in politics should be limited only to casting their votes. He issued the reminder yesterday as he visited the AFP Central Command in Cebu City ahead of the Christmas holidays. 

He was joined by Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento who also met with the personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, which are all attached agencies to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Gazmin and Sarmiento were welcomed by Central Command commander Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, who later briefed the cabinet officials of their accomplishment.

The two cabinet secretaries also gave their advance Christmas message. Gazmin has also bid farewell to the military personnel as this would be his last Christmas with them. Gazmin is co-terminus with President Benigno Aquino III, whose term ends on June 30 next year.

“We may not have done a perfect job but whatever small advancements we have I appreciate you working as a team, as an individual, and as a unit…you have done excellent performance for the last five years,” Gazmin told the military personnel.

Sarmiento, on the other hand, promised that all towns in the country will have its own fire station starting next year. — (FREEMAN)