Aquino reminds security forces to remain 'neutral'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Aquino reminds security forces to remain 'neutral'

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the members of the Armed Forces and the National Police Wednesday not to take sides and remain neutral on issues affecting the country.

The President issued the call in an interview after keynoting the opening of the East Asia Conference on Competition Law and Policy at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.

He underscored the importance of remaining neutral as any position taken by security forces may be misconstrued differently by others.

The President was referring to the Facebook account of Brigadier General Alexander Balutan, chief of 1st Marine Brigade based in Sultan Kudarat who expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding the priority development assistance fund.

The President said that although he shared the sentiment of the General, it was inappropriate for him to share his feelings over the social media.

"Wala naman akong nakikitang mali sa sinabi ni General Balutan, ano. Perhaps, dapat lang mapaalala sa kanya na heneral siya at meron tayong patakaran na dapat ang ating militar at saka ang ating kapulisan dahil may monopoly of force, ay kailangan talagang all the time ay neutral," the President said.

"...hindi ka puwedeng nagsasalita ng ganoon dahil marami ng gagamit doon sa mga sinabi mo para mag-create ng negative consequences sa ating lipunan. At sana dapat mapaalala kay General Balutan ito," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559536