Briguez named new Air Force chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7): Briguez named new Air Force chief

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has a new commanding officer in the person of Lt. Gen. Rozzano D. Briguez after its commander, Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar, decided to give way to the former.

This was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato during an interview with reporters Thursday.

He added that Kintanar, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1985, was succeeded by Briquez who is the head of Western Command.

Detoyato also clarified that Kintanar, who assumed command of the PAF in October 2017, was not relieved due to any corruption allegations.

"There is no issue of corruption whatsoever, it is for the professional growth of the whole organization," he added.

He said Briguez, a member of PMA Class of 1986, is considered one of the "intellectuals" of his graduating class.

"He is very soft spoken and approachable," he added.

Detoyato said he is not aware on whether Kintanar and Briguez talked about the leadership change.

In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dated Dec. 5, President Rodrigo Duterte confirmed the appointment of Briguez.

“I wish to inform you that, per your letter endorsement and in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chairman, AFP Board of Generals, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8186, as amended, the designation of Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez, Armed Forces of the Philippines as Commanding General, Philippine Air Force Vice Lt. Gen. Galileo Kintanar Jr., AFP, is hereby approved effective this date,” the letter read.

Movement in military posts normal

AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said there is nothing irregular with Briguez’s appointment as new PAF head.

“There is nothing irregular with the designation of Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez as the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) vice Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. The latter was replaced not for any issues of corruption or anomalies as insinuated by some posts in social media. This recent change in the PAF leadership is part of the ongoing movement in the top posts in the AFP hierarchy,” Arevalo said in a separate statement.

These movements, Arevalo said, include the designation of Lt. Gen. Paul Atal as Inspector General, replacing Lt. Gen. Rafael Valencia who retired from the service.

Atal, meanwhile, was replaced by Maj. Gen. Noel Clement as chief of the AFP Central Command.

Clement’s designation will render his post as Commander of the 10th Infantry Division vacant.

“We expect further movements in the top-level AFP leadership with the impending retirement of General Carlito Galvez, Jr. as AFP Chief of Staff. As (it) has been announced, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. replaces him and thereby renders his post as Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command vacant,” Arevalo stressed.

Arevalo added that the Board of Generals already convened to deliberate on the movements in the military’s top posts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055922