Reshuffling of AFP officers imminent

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 16): Reshuffling of AFP officers imminent

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to have new leaders in key positions and major commands, with the imminent retirement of some top military officials.

Lt. Gen. John Bonafos, who had once served as deputy commander of the 302 nd Infantry Brigade in Negros Oriental, is retiring on Oct. 19 from the military service. He is presently the AFP vice chief of staff, which is the second highest official of the Philippine military organization.

Bonafos also served as commanding officer of the Army's 3 rd Division Training School, commander of the 15 th Infantry Battalion, and the 3ID chief of staff.

Other key military officials retiring next month are Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command chief, and Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, and Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commanding general of the 4 th ID, are among those pitched to succeed Baladad as EastMinCom chief.

Guerrero presently supervises the internal security operations in Negros and Panay, while Lactao formerly served as commander of the 303 rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental. Both are members of PMA Class 1984.

The short list of candidates for all the soon-to-be vacated positions has been submitted to the Office of the President, the AFP Public Affairs Office said in a statement.

It said that the process of choosing the vice chief has been completed, and the short list submitted to the Department of National Defense, “and now it's with the President for his approval. The supporting activities are already in place…there is already an invitation but the name of the incoming is still blank, pending the approval of the President.”

The Board of Generals, led by the AFP chief, usually selects candidates to be included in the short list, for approval by the Defense secretary.

As part of his exit call, Bonafos visited the 3ID headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz Saturday, and was warmly welcomed by Guerrero and his staff.

In a dialog with 3ID soldiers, Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3ID spokesman, said Bonafos shared his life stories and experiences as a soldier and Army officer.

Bonafos also emphasized the importance of unity, understanding and respect with each other in attaining the mission of 3ID.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/October/16/negor3.htm