Angue can't refuse new assignment - AFP

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue can complain to the military’s grievance committee if he does not like his new post but he cannot refuse the assignment, the military said yesterday.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said a soldier cannot refuse an assignment because he has taken an oath to obey the orders of his superior.

“We thrive, we live, we breathe on orders,” Mabanta said. “We have a grievance committee and this (covers) an individual officer’s perception that he is not suited for a post.

“These are official venues. These are the proper venues to air one’s grievance.”

Angue was relieved as NCRCOM chief, a three-star position, and designated Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, a two-star post.

The reassignment came after Angue revealed that some military officers sided with some politicians during the 2010 elections.

He said military officers who backed winning candidates were given juicy positions, while the apolitical ones like him were sidelined.

Angue said the Truth Commission should investigate these officers as they set bad examples to their subordinates.

Angue is scheduled to hold a press briefing about the issue today.

Mabanta said Angue was not demoted and that his new assignment is appropriate to his rank and expertise.

“He (Angue) has not been promoted... to a three-star rank so that means he is still... a major general or a two-star rank,” he said.

“In essence, there is no demotion because the position he will be going to carries the rank of a two-star.

“That position (Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief) requires the skills of a naval officer. Because of his experience, we believe that he is better fit for naval operations in that very sensitive part of the country.”

Mabanta said they are confident that Angue would thrive in his new position.

The military will look into the claims of Angue and punish those who violated the military policy against partisan politics, he added.

Angue belongs to Philippine Military Academy class of 1978, which had adopted former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as an honorary member.