By ELENA L. ABEN
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday allayed fears of a “militarization” in the department with the alleged planned appointment of active military personnel to the DILG by Secretary Angelo Reyes.
Maj. Edgardo de Leon, whose name was dragged on the "militarization" of the department, said the issue definitely has no basis as he clarified that contrary to reports, he has not been appointed as DILG Head Executive Assistant (HEA). Instead, De Leon said that he is merely on detail at DILG, adding that he was designated by Reyes on acting capacity as HEA to help the latter, particularly with his schedule.
De Leon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 88, is concurrently assigned with the National AntiKidnapping Task Force (NAKTF) as its HEA and was also with Reyes during his stay as defense secretary, where he (De Leon) acted as administrative officer.
In an interview, De Leon said that he cannot be appointed to any position at the DILG otherwise he will be dismissed from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), one thing which he said he would not want to happen as he still has until 2022 in the service. He further disclosed that he cannot stay with DILG as he is due for training in the United States.
With his temporary post at DILG, De Leon said his task is just to take charge of the schedule of the Secretary and sort out all documents / communications coming in to the office of the Secretary.
"I can’t influence the decision here," De Leon said, adding further that he does not know the meaning of "militarization" but does very well understand "civilian supremacy over the military."
