Next AFP chief still unknown a day before turnover

From GMA News (Jul 9): Next AFP chief still unknown a day before turnover

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang will relinquish his post Friday, with Malacañang expected to announce his successor before the 10 a.m. turnover rites in Camp Aguinaldo.

In an interview Thursday, Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said this is not the first time Malacañang did not announce the next military chief a day before his assumption.

“[Ex-AFP chief] General [Jessie] Dellosa’s appointment was made public on the day [of the turnover] itself,” said Kakilala.

Catapang, who was appointed AFP chief in July last year, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Saturday.

Five three-star officers are said to be being considered as Catapang's successor — Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, and Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar.

President Benigno Aquino III, the military's commander-in-chief, interviewed the five last Monday, Kakilala said.

AFP chiefs are traditionally selected from among the three-star officers, though the President is allowed to go on a “deep-selection” or consider lower-ranking officers.

Meanwhile, because of the expected inclement weather on Friday, the military will hold the turnover ceremony without the traditional parade, Kakilala said.

“'Yung customary lang na turnover na change of command [ng] chief of staff, change of command tapos upo na lang. Wala nang troops, wala nang parading troops na 1,500 with capabilities,” Kakilala said, adding the ceremonies may be held indoors.

The plan, however, is not yet final, he added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/519294/news/nation/next-afp-chief-still-unknown-a-day-before-turnover