Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to reinstate two top-ranking military officials linked to the publication of the erroneous list of the University of the Philippines (UP) students suspected to be members of the communist movement.
In a statement, Sec. Lorenzana elucidated that Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations MGen. Benedict Arevalo and Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence MGen. Alex Luna were not directly involved in the publication of the said list.
“I have exhaustively reviewed the case involving MGen. Benedict Arevalo and MGen. Alex Luna. From the reports submitted to me, I believe that both men were NOT directly responsible for the lapse over the publication of the unverified and unofficial list of UP students who have been linked with left-leaning groups,” stated Sec. Lorenzana.
However, the Defense chief clarified that he is not clearing them from liability. In fact, the two generals were punished under the principle of command responsibility.
“Naniniwala ako sa second chances, lalo na kung nadamay lamang naman sila sa pagkukulang at pagkakamali ng iba. Bigyan natin sila ng panibagong pagkakataon na patunayan ang kanilang katapatan sa kanilang tungkulin. (I believe in second chances especially when they were just dragged into the shortcomings and mistakes of others. Let us give them another chance to prove their loyalty to their duties),” Sec. Lorenzana asserted.
Last January, Sec. Lorenzana ordered the relief of MGen. Luna after a list of UP students allegedly connected to CPP-NPA were published online.
MGen. Arevalo, whose office released the list, filed a leave of absence. – Bea Bernardo
