AFP not anti-gay — Burgos

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 14): AFP not anti-gay — Burgos

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos clarified that the AFP is not against homosexuals in the military as long as the applicant passes all the requirements and classifications in training.

The spokesman gave the assurance to prevent public perception that the AFP is anti-gay or anti-lesbians.

“We in the AFP do not discriminate applicants in terms of sex, religion, ethnic and racial background so long as he or she passed all the requirements and qualifications for training.

Applicants for AFP membership have to meet and pass the prescribed physical, mental and medical standards required for a rigid military training and discipline,” Burgos, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1988, told the Daily Tribune.

According to Burgos, there has been no change in the policy of AFP regarding whether to allow gays to serve in the military.

“The applicant must fully comply and satisfy all the requirements before he or she will be accepted to undergo training.

Once inside the organization, he or she must strictly abide with well-established norms, procedures and codes of conduct which are in keeping with the tradition and highest standards of soldiery.

Governed by the Articles of War and Code of Ethics, all members must follow and obey all rules and regulations required and demanded by the organization,” Burgos said.

Compostela Valley police chief Senior Supt. Camilo Cascolan said he sees no problem in allowing gays from entering the AFP or the Philippine National Police.

“It’s okay. There are plenty of gay NPA commanders here. They are good in PR (public relations) and also brave,” Cascolan said.

Armed Forces around the world are agog whether to allow gays to enter the military, especially in combat operations.

Among those that openly accepted gays in military service were the US Army and US Marines.
Before, the US military has a “don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) policy for gays and lesbians in the military.

The policy prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants, while barring openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from military service.

The restrictions were mandated by United States federal law. The DADT policy means gays can serve but should not display any ungentleman like behavior, which includes showing signs/manifestations of homosexuality.

But in January, President Barack Obama urged the US Congress to repeal the DADT and urged that open gays be allowed to serve in the military.

“This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are,” Obama said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/12855-afp-not-anti-gay-—-burgos