AFP spokesperson Tutaan retires Thursday

From the Manila Times (Dec 3): AFP spokesperson Tutaan retires Thursday

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Jr., will retire from the service Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Tutaan, who also holds the position as AFP Internal Auditor, will hand over his post to Col. Restituto Padilla Jr in a simple turnover ceremony at the AFP Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“In more than a year of service as military spokesperson, Tutaan successfully represented the AFP to the public amid burning issues affecting the military institution,” said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr.

Tutaan used his expertise having served as AFP Human Rights Office chief, in advancing the gains of the military in its adherence to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Rule of Law.

During his stint, he was also at the center of the AFP’s public affairs campaign during the defense of Zamboanga City, the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda”, and the Golan Heights stand-off.

He was chosen to represent the AFP by former chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista in May 2013 to replace former spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, Jr.

Tutaan remained as spokesperson under Catapang.

Bautista, Catapang and Tutaan are members of the Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.

During his 38 years in the military, Tutaan also held important positions in the military, including stints as 1003rd Infantry Brigade chief and AFP Human Rights Office head.

A native of Laguna, Tutaan is a well-decorated officer who received two Outstanding Achievement Medals, four Distinguished Service Stars, nine Bronze Cross Medals, two Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medals, and numerous military merit and commendation medals.

During the turnover ceremony on Thursday, he will also be awarded the Distinguished Service Star and the Gawad sa Kapayapaan for his meritorious and valuable service rendered as the AFP Internal Auditor and Spokesperson, respectively.

“I feel excited in the sense that I completed my tour of duty since I entered the military after my graduation in the Philippine Military Academy until I reach the mandatory retirement age,” Tutaan said.

He also said that his retirement is a nostalgic and bittersweet experience.

“Bitter in the sense that I won’t be wearing my military uniform anymore, sweet because I can now explore life as a civilian,” he added.

A few days before his retirement, Tutaan sees his experience as the AFP spokesperson as a constructive experience.

“The whole time that I was the spokesperson, it was an experience that was very constructive because it helped me develop on the personal level,” Tutaan said.

He also stressed that he gives much importance on the friendship that he developed with the media during his time as the spokesperson and the rest of his over 37 years in the military.

After his retirement on Thursday, Tutaan also revealed that he has plans of joining the private sector and will make use of the knowledge he acquired while in the uniformed service.

“I will draw strength from all the support I am receiving and will bring whatever I learned; the experiences and the best practices; as I venture into a new career in the corporate world,” he said.

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/afp-spokesperson-tutaan-retires-thursday/