Malacañang announced yesterday that it would be retired Army Lt. Gen. Pedro Cabuay Jr., and not controversial retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, who would be the next deputy national security adviser for counter-insurgency.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, however, said this does not mean that the Palace has seriously considered the allegations and criticisms against Palparan by various groups.
Communists and other groups have pointed to Palparan as the man behind the extra-judicial killings of militants, which they said was "his style" of eradicating insurgency in the country.
They also assailed his possible appointment to a new position in government to combat insurgency.
Ermita said there was only a misunderstanding on the disclosure of Palparan’s appointment by presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor. But the people considered for the position were Cabuay and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Arturo Lomibao, who was appointed head of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Before his retirement, Cabuay was commanding general of the Southern Luzon Command. As an Army officer, he was said to have an impressive record in fighting the communists.
Ermita said they were looking for a position for Palparan to make use of his talents, especially in fighting insurgency.
"We will see to it that his future is well taken care of," Ermita said, noting that Palparan would go on vacation for a month, which would give the administration enough time to see where he could be assigned.
In response to criticisms that the Palace has been appointing former military officials to government positions without portfolio, Ermita said this was the President’s prerogative.
Defensor said earlier that Palparan was willing to accept any position in government, although he had expressed interest in counter-insurgency.
"So whether he gets appointed at the Department of National Defense or a presidential task force under the executive secretary… it will be related to anti-insurgency. It is because we have to maximize his potential, where he is good at," he said.
Defensor disclosed that Mrs. Arroyo herself agreed that Palparan must be given a position where his talents would be utilized best.
"But her concern now is the protection of Palparan, especially when he goes on vacation. The President said he should have ample security. But General Palparan said he would be okay," Defensor said.
The communists dubbed Palparan as a "dead man walking" after his retirement, saying he would be neutralized.