Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Delfin Bangit, once more appealed to politicians not to drag the AFP into politics and just “leave the military alone” in order for the organization to perform its job well.

Bangit made the call amid fresh accusations that the AFP may be forced to install President Arroyo to power in case there will be failure of elections in May.

“It’s a political statement. I do not want to comment on that. We are not a political figure, trabaho lang kami,” said Bangit of the statement made by former Immigration Commissioner Rufus Rodriguez.

As to earlier reports on the alleged dissatisfaction of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer over his having been bypassed in the selection for the new Army commanding general, Bangit said, “I was talking to him last night. It’s not as published… he said that’s not what he said.

Bangit quoted Ferrer as saying that he will support the decision of the President.

“You know Gen. Ferrer is a very professional officer… as I have requested in my speech, I hope we will be spared from politics,” said Bangit.

“As I have said in my speech, please do not drag us into politics. We have a mission to do. If you want us to serve better then leave us alone, allow us to do our job,” the AFP Chief appealed anew.