| MANILA – Joining politics is a better alternative than taking up arms against the government, AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado said in response to a question on the entry into politics of military officers detained and facing trial for participation in attempts to destabilize the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Among the dismissed military officers who expressed their intention to join politics are former Marine Capt. Gary Alejano who wants to run for mayor in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. “I have no problem with that. I think that is a prerogative that they can exercise,” Ibrado said. Former Army Scout Ranger commander Brigadier General Danilo Lim and Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, who are facing trial for their alleged participation in a plot to topple the government in 2006, also signified their intention to seek Senate seats in next year’s elections. The detained military officers have apparently taken their cue from Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a member of the Magdalo, who ran and won in the 2007 elections, despite being detained in jail. “This is a democratic country. Whatever they want to do, they can do, except taking up arms,” Ibrado said. While acknowledging they can do so for as long as they have not been convicted of any crimes, however, he said he was not encouraging the military officers to run for public office. Another Magdalo leader, former Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo, said he will not join politics. He is now working at the Office of the Presidential Affairs on Peace Process. Ibrado said he has allowed detained officers who have signified their intention to run for public office to register in their respective provinces. Asked if it is now a trend for church people and military officers to run for positions in government, Ibrado said, “I don’t think this is new exactly, as, in the past, we had people from the church and unlikely sectors joining politics.” “It’s just to show that democracy is very much alive in the Philippines,” he added. Ten organizations of former military and police personnel have announced that they have united under the leadership of Lim. “He (Lim) has the essential leadership qualities to steer us towards our vision, impeccable character to lead with moral authority and consistently displayed uncommon valor and patriotism in the face of extremely difficult situations,” the groups said. “We have been forged in adversity; we are now ready to answer the call of duty,” they added. BY GILBERT BAYORAN | 
