Massive revamps now ongoing in AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24): Massive revamps now ongoing in AFP

In line with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año's calls for new approach, tactics and leadership to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other lawless threats in Mindanao within six months, massive changes are now ongoing in various AFP Command and Staff positions.

This was revealed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Tuesday.

“The pressing security challenges in the country demand some adjustments in the team that are necessary to wage the campaign against the terrorist groups. These movements in the key positions in the AFP are vital to ensure that our mission is carried out more efficiently and effectively,” he added.

Arevalo said these changes are consistent with President Rodrigo Duterte's thrust against terrorism, illegal drugs, and criminality.

A month after Año’s assumption of command as AFP Chief, he began to fill up the vital positions that were previously vacant.

Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda who was previously AFP vice chief-of-staff assumed command of the Philippine Army.

He was replaced by Lt. Gen. Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr., taking over the second highest position in the military.

Vice Admiral Narciso A Vingson Jr., was designated as the AFP deputy chief-of-staff, replacing Mison.

While Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz assumed post as The Inspector General.

His previous position as Western Mindanao Command (WMC) head was filled by Major Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr., another seasoned commander.

While the latter was replaced by Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega as 6th Infantry Division commander.

Meanwhile, movements in the Philippine Army’s Infantry brigades are also on full swing.

Col. Nixon M. Fortes is now head of the 103rd "Haribon" Infantry Brigade while Col. Jacinto R. Bareng assumes command of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

Col. Divino Rey C. Pabayo, Jr., was appointed head of the 101st Infantry Brigade with Col. Reuben S. Basiao now commanding 701st Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, which directs fleet-marine operations against the ASG in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi area had its own movements in the leadership.

Rear Admiral Jorge Amba was replaced by Rear Admiral Rene Medina. The two flag rank officers switched positions.

Navy Capt. Ramil D. Enriquez takes the helm of the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command replacing Vice Commodore Elson Aguilar who retired from the service, while Brig. Gen. Alvin A. Parreño assumes the position as Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) deputy commander.

Col. Melquiades Ordiales fills the post vacated by Parreño as 1st Marine Brigade chief based in Sultan Kudarat.

Another movement in the Marine Corps is expected as PMC Commandant Major Gen. Andre M. Costales is set to retire next month.

“The AFP is committed to engendering professionalism within its ranks. While reliefs and designations are integral to and part of dynamism of the service, we ensure that we put the right man on the right job. And at the proper time,” Arevalo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=957747