An association of retired police and military generals called on various sectors Thursday to spare the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from partisan politics amid controversies hounding the appointment of Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit as military chief of staff.

Retired Brig. Gen. Rosalino Alquiza, chairman and president of the Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO), said that the AFP should be allowed instead to focus on their mandate and to enable our soldiers to perform their jobs, what with its inclusion in the efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible conduct of this year's elections.

“We, in the AGFO, stand solidly behind the AFP leadership and its ability to ensure credible elections. We encourage the people to dispel the rumors and be assured that members of the ATP live the code of values and professionalism every day of their lives,” said Alquiza in a statement.

The organization was forced to issue a statement following the series of reports that questions the motive behind the appointment of Bangit, since he is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1978, which adopted President Arroyo as an honorary member.

The Class 78's occupation of key military posts is rumored to be part of the plan for Arroyo to remain in power beyond the end of her term of office on June 30.

“The AFP today is being pitched into political troubles strafed by individuals and groups with disgruntlement and personal and vested interests, we are familiar with these renewed efforts to slander and fragmentize the Armed Forces, especially under the new leadership of General Delfin Bangit,” said Alquiza.

The official explained that it is unfair for the entire AFP as an organization to be continuously dragged into political controversies since there is no concrete pieces of evidence that would substantiate such allegations.

“Let us not dishonor the sacrifices and memories of our brave men and women in the AFP by giving dignity to these untruths,” he said.

But Alquiza expressed confidence that the AFP will be able to hurdle such controversies as proven in the past.

He stressed that the lessons that every soldiers learned from military adventurisms in the past will make the AFP emerge as a strong organization.

“The AFP stands cohesive and resilient. It carries the burden of lessons learned from past mistakes. Never again will it take for granted the value of solidarity, integrity, and professionalism,” said Alquiza.

“The AFP has proven time and again that it is mission-oriented. Its focus, commitment, and level-best are directed in defeating insurgency, in fighting terrorism, and in supporting peace and national development efforts; and for this year, to help achieve an orderly and peaceful elections,” he added.