AFP civil military command changes

From Malaya (Aug 28): AFP civil military command changes

AN Army general has been designated as new AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations, a post that plays a key part in the implementation of the military’s campaign plan “Bayanihan.”

Brig. Gen. Lysander Suerte, commander of the AFP’s Central Command, will assume his new post today, replacing Rear Adm. Jose Miguel Rodriguez who is opting for early retirement.

Rodriguez is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 28 but he is bowing out of the service today “to take care of his family and his health,” said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

Rodriguez figured in a corruption case about two years ago. He went on leave when the military leadership ordered a probe. He returned after he was cleared of any wrongdoing.

The investigation followed reports that his budget officer, Maj. Christopher Lee Patindol, borrowed at least P1.5 million from a supplier, Sabrina David, supposedly for the operating expenses of Rodriguez’ office.

Rodriguez denied authorizing Patindol to borrow the money from David. Patindol went into hiding when David sought payment from the office of Rodriguez.

Zagala described Suerte, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982, as a “veteran of numerous engagements in Mindanao and he is very suited for the job.”

Zagala said Suerte is not new to civil military operations works. “He is very aware of how we do civil military operations work, how it should be undertaken,” he said of Suerte.

Zagala said the post of AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations is very crucial because the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan is CMO-centered.

The IPSP Bayanihan is the military’s blueprint in winning peace. It aims to end communist insurgency and other internal security threats before the end of President Aquino’s term in 2016.

Zagala said Rodriguez, a member of PMA Class 1980, has decided to waive a parade in his honor, and opted for a simple turnover ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

Zagala said Rodriquez wants that the budget to be spent for the parade be diverted to CMO projects instead. Zagala could not say how much was to be spent for the parade.

http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/39522-afp-civil-military-command-changes