Aquino retires two generals

Press, 29 June 1987, Page 10

Aquino retires two generals

NZPA-Keuter Manila President Corazon Aquino has retired two senior generals in a bid to boost Army morale and vowed to bolster the firepower of Philippines forces in their war with Leftist rebels. The Communist New People’s Army, in a statement yesterday, condemned what it called Aquino’s war-like moves, called for an end to military abuses, and warned soldiers molesting civilians that “the reach of revolutionary justice is wide and long.” Keeping to her promise not to extend the services of ageing generals, Mrs Aquino announced the retirement of Deputy Armed Forces comman-

der Lieutenant-General Salvador Mison and Army chief Major-General Rodolfo Canieso. Until her announcement, there had been speculation that she might extend the services of either of the two battlehardened officers as possible successor to Chief of Staff General. Fidel Ramos. Both had reached the limit of 30 years service.

In their places, she appointed the commander of the para-military Constabulary Major-General Renato de Villa as General Ramos’ new deputy and Brigadier-General Restitute Padilla as army chief.

Some of Mrs Aquino’s military advisers had

sought General Ramos’ dismissal, claiming his alleged weak leadership was promoting factionalism in the 150,000-strong military. Former President, Ferdinand Marcos’ practice of extending the service of generals loyal to him beyond limits set by law had caused widespread army dissension. Unrest eventually led to a civi-lian-backed revolt that toppled Mr Marcos in February 1986. Mrs Aquino has promised to eliminate patronage and favouritism in the army to ensure the rise of deserving officers. Speaking to Air Force officers, Mrs Aquino said she was aware of “the serious lack of gunships

and weaponry” needed by the air force to combat the 18-year communist insurgency. She said her Government was continuing talks with the United States, the Philippines’ chief military ally and supplier of arms. “I am assured that every effort will be made to answer our needs,” she said.

Mrs Aquino stressed the need for the military to intensify its training, saying, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” . Mrs Aquino had called for a more vigorous campaign against the rebels after guerrillas in a campaign of urban assassination this P year shot down 22 soldiers and policemen in Manila streets.