AFP urges disgruntled members to use grievance system over medal mess

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 24): AFP urges disgruntled members to use grievance system over medal mess

The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday urged its members questioning some of the AFP Day awardees, who were involved in the calibrated response against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Nur Misuari faction in Zamboanga City, to use the military grievance system instead of going to the media to air their concerns.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP-Public Affairs Office chief, lashed out at the AFP members quoted by The Tribune questioning the Distinguish Conduct Star (DCS) awards given to some officers supposedly not involved in actual combat during the 21-day siege, for airing their concerns to the media without using the internal mechanism.

“They should use our internal grievance mechanism... now, if the mechanism does not work or they were not satisfied with the facts, they can file their complaints,” said Zagala.

“Any AFP personnel who have complaints — whether regarding assignments, awards and anything that involves yourself and the organization, we encourage first they use the grievance system in order for us to correct rather than complaining outside first,” Zagala added.

Zagala also expressed belief that those questioning the awardees could have not the right facts.

“They made their perceptions without knowing the facts...they made sweeping statements,” he said.

The AFP official maintained that the awards given by the AFP went through the process.

“They (all awardees) were recommended by the division...and were deliberated by the board,” Zagala said.

Zagala told The Tribune that as of press time yesterday no one formally questioned the awards.

“No one use the grievance system. If you wish to question certain awards, you can go to the board,” he said.

The AFP leadership cited more than 2,000 personnel for their involvement in the military’s calibrated response against the MNLF-Nur Misuari faction in Zamboanga City from Sept. 9 to Sept. 29. The operation resulted in the safe rescue of 195 hostages and the killing of more than 200 MNLF fighters.

The Tribune on Friday and Saturday came out with stories, quoting military sources, questioning the awarding of DCS, the second highest military combat award next to the coveted Medal for Valor, to some officers supposedly were not involved in the actual combat in Zamboanga City.

The awarding of DCS and other military recognitions were among the highlights of the 78th founding anniversary celebration of the AFP last Friday.

The Tribune sources particularly questioned the awarding of DCS to the officers, whom they claimed, were not even in the frontline during the 21-day siege.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-urges-disgruntled-members-to-use-grievance-system-over-medal-mess