Air Force chief: Spare military bases from poll campaigns

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz on Tuesday urged candidates in the May 13 midterm elections to avoid campaigning inside military and defense bases.

“As much as possible we would really request that the bases be spared because there would be misconception. And that is our appeal to local and national candidates,” Dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz also reminded airforce officers and men during the 29th anniversary of the 3rd Air Division based at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) to avoid campaigning for their candidates inside the bases.

“We have always been telling our people na wala tayong karapatang mangampanya. The only political exercise that any defense personnel will do is to vote. Other than that we are just supportive of any directions given to us by government agencies,” Dela Cruz said.

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo they have also been reminding the soldiers on the ground to remain apolitical and non-partisan.

“Those who will be discovered campaigning will be sanctioned, possibly removal from the service,” Ardo warned.