Medal of Valor awardees, retired AFP, PNP generals back BBM

MANILA, Philippines — A group of retired police and military generals and ranking officials has expressed support for the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Retired chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Medal of Valor awardees, former service commanders and at least 100 retired generals and senior officers issued a manifesto expressing their full support behind the candidacy of Marcos.

They made the move after President Duterte and presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson revealed an intelligence report that the campaign of Vice President Leni Robredo has been allegedly infiltrated by communists.

The group decided to support Marcos, believing he will initiate true reforms in the police and military.

“We invite everyone to rally around (former) senator Marcos as the best candidate to initiate true and genuine reforms in the institutions of our country, foster national healing and unity and most of all, provide the support for the vast majority of our people who are most dependent on the service of the national government,” the manifesto read.

The group also vowed to fully support the administration of Marcos once he is elected as president of the country.

“Should our people choose senator Marcos as our next president in the elections on May 9, we commit to him our full support for unity, peace progress – and we call on all to do the same so that he can fulfill the sovereign will of the Filipino people, and of God,” the group said.

The retired generals likewise called for peaceful and honest elections on May 9 as they urged the public to be vigilant in protecting their votes amid reports that communists could be out to sabotage the elections.

“For the future of our country, of our children and our children’s children, it is incumbent upon all sectors of our society to rally behind and support whoever is chosen by our people through free, fair and honest elections,” the group said.

Among the signatories are former AFP chiefs of staff Roy Cimatu, Benjamin Defensor Jr., Dionisio Santiago and Felimon Santos and former PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr.

Former PCG chiefs Damian Carlos and Danilo Abinoja also signed the manifesto.

The Medal of Valor awardees who signed the manifesto of support for Marcos are Ariel Querubin, Noel Buan, Roberto Salvador, Hilario Estrella, Bienvenido Fajemolin, Leopoldo Diokno, Lucio Curig, Roy Cuenca and Francisco Granpil.

Marcos welcomed the support from the retired generals and vowed to continue prioritizing the welfare of uniformed personnel.

MANILA, Philippines — A group of retired police and military generals and ranking officials has expressed support for the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Retired chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Medal of Valor awardees, former service commanders and at least 100 retired generals and senior officers issued a manifesto expressing their full support behind the candidacy of Marcos.

They made the move after President Duterte and presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson revealed an intelligence report that the campaign of Vice President Leni Robredo has been allegedly infiltrated by communists.

The group decided to support Marcos, believing he will initiate true reforms in the police and military.

“We invite everyone to rally around (former) senator Marcos as the best candidate to initiate true and genuine reforms in the institutions of our country, foster national healing and unity and most of all, provide the support for the vast majority of our people who are most dependent on the service of the national government,” the manifesto read.

The group also vowed to fully support the administration of Marcos once he is elected as president of the country.

“Should our people choose senator Marcos as our next president in the elections on May 9, we commit to him our full support for unity, peace progress – and we call on all to do the same so that he can fulfill the sovereign will of the Filipino people, and of God,” the group said.

The retired generals likewise called for peaceful and honest elections on May 9 as they urged the public to be vigilant in protecting their votes amid reports that communists could be out to sabotage the elections.

“For the future of our country, of our children and our children’s children, it is incumbent upon all sectors of our society to rally behind and support whoever is chosen by our people through free, fair and honest elections,” the group said.

Among the signatories are former AFP chiefs of staff Roy Cimatu, Benjamin Defensor Jr., Dionisio Santiago and Felimon Santos and former PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr.

Former PCG chiefs Damian Carlos and Danilo Abinoja also signed the manifesto.

The Medal of Valor awardees who signed the manifesto of support for Marcos are Ariel Querubin, Noel Buan, Roberto Salvador, Hilario Estrella, Bienvenido Fajemolin, Leopoldo Diokno, Lucio Curig, Roy Cuenca and Francisco Granpil.

Marcos welcomed the support from the retired generals and vowed to continue prioritizing the welfare of uniformed personnel.

“These are good and very respected commanders. They know what the people need,” he said during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday.

“If I become president, I will recognize our soldiers and policemen and give them a decent life,” he vowed.

Marcos specifically cited the need to address the plight of police officers as he lamented how they continue to live an impoverished life – with some even joining syndicates.

“It’s pathetic that many police are squatting and don’t even have homes. How can they work with honesty and integrity if they still worry about providing enough for their families?” he lamented.

Marcos expressed belief that soldiers, on the other hand, are already being given proper compensation by the government.