Philippine military leaders assured calmness in the army on Tuesday, after president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left unexpected dismay among some officers Monday when she appointed Edilberto Adan as commander of the military's Southern Command (Southcom).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) appealed to officers who were upset over the unpopular appointment of Adan to stop criticizing the general and allow him to prove his worth.

AFP spokesman Jose Angel Honrado said the controversy surrounding the assignment of Adan as head of the military's largest unified area command "should be put to rest."

"It is time to move on. Southcom operations should not be compromised because of continued questions and criticisms on the appointment of its commander," said Honrado.

"The AFP reiterates its call for unity. Disgruntled members of the military organization are encouraged to come out in the open in order to express their sentiments in the proper forum," the spokesman added.

On Monday, senior and junior officers in the military came mentally divided over Adan's appointment. Officers said the appointment only widened restiveness in the junior ranks.

Some said the decision of president Arroyo only diminished their "little respect" towards her, while others took a dig at AFP chief Generoso Senga's pronouncement that the AFP is insulated from politics.

Adan, who is retiring on Jan. 11 next year, took over the top Southcom post last Friday. However, he is not popular with the young officers.

It was widely expected that 4th Infantry Division chief Samuel Bagasin would take over the command because he was endorsed by the Board of Generals for the post.

Some local reports said that Arroyo is under the threat of a military coup, while she is attending UN Summit in New York.

Source: Xinhua