PNS — THE Armed Forces, though deeply embroiled in a scandal involving alleged corruption, will give full military honors to the country’s 27th chief of staff, retired General Angelo ‘‘Angie’’ Tomas Reyes.
AFP spokesman Brigadier General Jose Mabanta said full military honors is accorded to former military officials but added they would let the Reyes family decide on whether to accept it or not.
“The usual military honors will be given notwithstanding the cause of death,” he said as he extended the AFP’s condolences to the Reyes family.
“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of General Angelo Reyes. We condole with the family of Sir Angie,” the AFP spokesman said.
Mabanta described Reyes’ death as a “deep blow” to the ongoing investigation aimed at ferreting out the truth behind the charges aired by former AFP budget officer, retired Lieutenant Colonel George Rabusa.
“In the light of this incident we hope Congress and the Senate can expedite this proceeding to ensure immediate enactment of laws in furtherance of good governance measures for the whole Armed Forces,” he said.
“We never expected this. He is a good soldier, he may have been misunderstood at times but he was able to perform what was required of him,” Mabanta said. He also paid tribute to Reyes’ leadership qualities which endeared him to many AFP officers and men particularly those in the combat zone.
“He has always been after the morale of the common soldier so this is certainly a very sad day for the Armed Forces but certainly, the Armed Forces will move forward,” he said.