AFP: Basilan, Sulu for heroes, not for misfits, rogues, scalawags

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 13): AFP: Basilan, Sulu for heroes, not for misfits, rogues, scalawags

THE Armed Forces yesterday said it does not treat Basilan and Sulu, bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf, as a dumping ground for misfit and scalawags, but as “a breeding ground for heroes and military leaders who thrive in adversities.”

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said that “for soldiers and Marines, sailors and airmen, being deployed in Basilan – or in Sulu for that matter – is a source of pride. Because only the warriors, professionals, and those who excel in their fields are sent to Basilan.” 

Arevalo issued the statement “so that our soldiers assigned there and would be assigned there will not feel they are misfits or errant.

“Some people resent that Basilan would be the destination for some erring members of the security forces, especially the ones who have gone astray or failed to measure up to standards,” said Arevalo.

President Duterte last week ordered hundreds of rogue cops to be deployed to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi or resign from the force.

Arevalo said many young officers and enlisted personnel are even volunteering to be assigned to the war-torn island provinces” of Basilan and Sulu “for their baptism of fire.”

“It’s a choice assignment. Because such deployments offer them a wealth of experience, innumerable lessons, opportunities to excel, and yes, earn ‘trophy points.’ For the military, it is a big deal to be deployed in Basilan or Sulu for that translates to a distinction,” said Arevalo.

Arevalo cited a Marine junior officer, now a colonel, who volunteered to be assigned to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 in Basilan after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy in early 1990s.

“The Basileños specifically abhor the announcement that ‘scalawags and misfits in the service’ are bound to that island province,” Arevalo said.

Last Thursday, AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año said cops should welcome an assignment to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.  He said soldiers take the assignment to these areas as an opportunity to earn a Medal of Valor, the highest military decoration in combat.

A soldier conferred with the medal receives a monthly gratuity of P75,000, free education, hospitalization for his families. The lifetime gratuity is on top of the salary or pension they receive.

“What’s wrong (with) being assigned in Basilan and Sulu. If you want to serve the country and the people, that’s the best way. Now, if they are complaining, then you can see the quality of these people that you do not need in the organization,” said Año.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-basilan-sulu-heroes-not-misfits-rogues-scalawags