TOG5: 2010 POLLS MUST START WITH PRAYER

CAMP GEN. SIMEON OLA, Legazpi CitY — A day prior to the historical first ever automated elections in country, multi-sectoral groups in this city will lead the Ecumenical Breakfast Prayer dubbed as “Pamibi para sa Katoninongan kan Eleksyon 2010” at Lignion Hill on Sunday, May 9.

“The activity seeks to remind all stakeholders on their obligation to vote with only the highest common good in mind,” said Colonel Guillermo A Molina Jr II PAF, commander of Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG5).

TOG5 is also the organizer of the said breakfast prayer.

Molina furthered that the activity also aimed to raise a collective prayer for election with absence of fraud, failure and violence.

The event will be participated by different agencies, organizations, religious groups, and schools. Early morning joggers can also join the walk to the top of Lignion hill.

The assembly of the participants will start at 4:30 in the morning at the foot of the hill [tennis court]. It will be followed by the orchestrated climb to the top of the hill with the MPCF Band. There will be a short ecumenical program at the summit which includes prayers and messages from the participants and the release of prayer ‘globos’.

The activity will end with a joint breakfast prepared by the organizers.

The occasion will serve as a call for peaceful and orderly elections not only for the participants in the said event but also to all the Filipinos who will use their right to suffrage on the next day [May 10].

Like what Psalm 91 speaks to us, “God’s faithfulness is a protecting shield,” the TOG5 with the help of the participants believed that with the guidance of God, H.O.P.E. [Honest, Orderly, Peaceful Elections] will be achieved. (Capt. ALSaturnino II, PA/CRSAFP/PIA)

PRESS STATEMENT:
Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO)

WE ARE CONFIDENT WITH AFP’S ELECTION PREPARATIONS - AGFO

Nearing May 2010 Elections, we are once again left dismayed with the ferocity of rumors and accusations hurled against the Armed Forces of the Philippines; which are now being echoed on chain emails and text messages.

Hence, we, of the Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO) appeal to the Filipino people to refrain from being influenced by such false information. The AFP, especially at this crucial point in our history, remains our solid foundation for national unity.

From their training to their very first deployment and until this very day, Soldiers continue to tread the path where death is no stranger. They have known of nights so bleak and have pitted against wily terrorists. They bear the utter desolation from long separation from those they love. The dangers and many adversities they meet only stretch forth their corporeal limit and forged their warrior’s heart. And through the years, the brave men and women of the AFP transform and wove instruments of war and conflict into fabrics of hope, learning, peace, stability, and better opportunities. They are the heroes of our children, the face of courage, and the vanguards of our democracy.

Who has steadfastly demonstrated love for the Filipino Nation and pride in their service than a Soldier does?

Since the COMELEC has deputized the Armed Forces for this May 10 elections, the military took painstaking efforts to assure the public of its professionalism and non-partisanship. Each day, the AFP, through its statements, messages, primers, billboards, media interviews, and other concrete actions, reaches out to the people that it seeks only to ensure a peaceful and orderly election, including equal suffrage, is realized. Our soldiers’ commitment in this election is no less than any other Filipino.

It would hence be a great dishonor to the sacrifices and efforts of our Soldiers if we give dignity to the accusations and criticisms.

To the Filipino people, we cannot afford to be pessimists. The efforts of the AFP should give us a concrete perspective that the military is sincere, serious, and follows a clear road map where Constitutional duty and service discipline is paramount. I urge the people to work-in-hand with our soldiers and stand united as a nation to safeguard our democratic processes and to ensure a better future for the country.

We, in the AGFO, place our trust and confidence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, under the leadership of its Chief of Staff General Delfin N Bangit, that through their earnestness, we can all look forward to a credible and successful May 10, 2010 elections.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL RAUL S URGELLO (RET)

(The author is the present Chairman and President of the Association of General and Flag-Officers (AGFO))