Armed Forces officials appealed to the public Friday to insulate the military organization from politics as they emphasized that the AFP is a professional organization that will stick with its mandate and carry on its mission whoever is their Chief of Staff.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr., AFP spokesman, at the same time called on the detractors of Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit to stop questioning the general’s reputation and integrity. Bangit is reportedly being groomed to replace outgoing Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado.

The AFP made the appeal amid speculations about the possible extension of the term of Ibrado, who is due to retire March 10.

“Meron po kaming pakiusap, kung puwede po ay hayaan na lang po ang Armed Forces of the Philippines na gawin ang kanilang trabaho at nananawagan kami sa mga pulitiko na gumagamit po sa pangalan ng AFP na huwag na lang pong gamitin, partikular na po itong issue ng extension,” Brawner said.

“Whether the Chief of Staff, Gen. Ibrado, is extended or not, this will be the decision of the President. But whoever will be the Chief of Staff during the election time, makakaasa po kayo that the AFP will remain apolitical; we will remain professional and we will stick with the mandate that was given to us by Comelec,” he said.

Brawner said the AFP will never get involved in politics nor will it be used in any form of electoral fraud or cheating, particularly in the coming May elections.

To those questioning Bangit’s integrity, Brawner said: “We should not resort to destroying the reputation of our officials. The unified commanders are all eligible to become chief of staff."

The AFP spokesman reiterated that Ibrado has already stated that should the President decide to extend his term, he is willing and ready to take on the challenge.

“But then again ang retirement date ni Gen. Ibrado ay March 10, 2010 and he said he is intending to retire,” added Brawner.