The Association of General and Flag Officers Inc. (AGFO), a group of retired generals and naval officers, has appealed to the public to exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice, as members of a democratic society.

In a letter signed by AGFO President MGEN Gerardo Layug, the group reaffirmed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) stance that concerned government institutions and due process must be upheld in the face of political in-fighting, RH 52 Edniel Parrosa reported.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. asserted earlier that Filipinos should not count on a coup d’état or a military junta to solve the country’s problems.

The retired army officials have also called on voters to critically examine candidates, and for its part, the poll body must monitor circulating news and counter attempts at controlling or cheating the elections.