Top Philippine military officer says he will serve new president

by Thomas C. Fox

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tfox@ncronline.org

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So you think President Obama has problems with his top Afghanistan military officer, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who war relieved of his command just moments ago.

It could be worse.

This only vaguely reassuring report comes out of the Philippines, where the top military commander says he will serve the incoming president, Benigno Aquino.

If you have to say it, something is wrong.

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be at the service of incoming president Benigno Aquino, Jr., its top official said today.

The military will be a good follower for the next administration, obedient enough that it is going to follow the national leaders even if they happen to be likened to "dogs," Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales told reporters.

The Aquino government therefore must not fear that the AFP wants to topple the next administration, Gonzales said.

Aquino, who will replace incumbent president Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, will take his oath as the country's 15th chief executive on June 30.

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