Outgoing AFP chief to get PHL Legion of Honor

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16): Outgoing AFP chief to get PHL Legion of Honor

Outgoing Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa will be presented the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Degree of Commander this Thursday. Dellosa will be given this honor for his “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service rendered” as AFP chief. The award will cite Dellosa’s competence and leadership in leading the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan where he rallied the military in sustaining gains in internal security operations; community building and development; organizational reform; support to peace process; territorial defense; and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Dellosa held AFP’s top post for more than a year after assuming office on Dec. 12, 2011. He will be reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 this Sunday. President and AFP commander-in-chief Benigno Aquino III will preside over the testimonial review in honor of Dellosa that will be followed by the change of command ceremony where he will formally relinquish command to newly-appointed AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

As compared to last year’s AFP anniversary celebration and previous change of command ceremonies, the activity will be simpler. The motorized contingent and sky diving exhibition were shelved, along with the assets and capability demonstration. Six battalions coming from the National Capital Region will participate in the ceremony. The Special Operations Command of the Philippine Army will be the only AFP unit outside National Capital Region to join the parade. This makes the parading troops 50 percent less compared to AFP Day’s 12 battalions.

Unlike in the past change of command ceremonies, cadets from the Philippine Military Academy and Officers Candidate School will not form part of the parading elements. These are all aimed in making the event simple. “Although the Testimonial Review has been a long held military tradition to pay homage to retiring military leaders for their selfless service to the AFP, this honor is still dedicated to the whole military organization and our soldiers who supported, trusted, and believed in my visions for the AFP,” Dellosa said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487845