MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-three military officers have been reassigned after President Aquino approved a third wave of military leadership changes.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said the Board of Generals, which determines military assignments, submitted reassignment recommendations to the President on July 26. The President issued his approval last Thursday.
“All appointments... (are based on) performance and track record,” AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David said in a statement.
Notable reshuffles include outgoing National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Rear Adm. Feliciano Angue, who was named Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander - moving from three-star to two-star position.
The change occurred after Angue claimed some military officers engaged in partisan politics.
Mabanta denied Angue was demoted, saying since he was a two-star general his new post was appropriate to his rank.
“The position of NCRCOM commander is a three-star but remember, Rear Adm. Angue is still holding a two-star position and has never been recommended for promotion to the next higher rank.”
Angue, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’78, said he had not received his appointment papers and could not comment on the move.
Angue will be replaced by classmate Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, the outgoing commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division. Outgoing Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander Rear Admiral Alexander Pama has yet to be given a new post.
Outgoing Philippine Air Force (PAF) vice commander Maj. Gen Eduardo Oban Jr., who negotiated on behalf of the Magdalo soldiers who staged the Oakwood mutiny in 2003, becomes AFP deputy chief. Replacing Oban as PAF vice commander is Maj. Gen. Artemio Orozco, the outgoing commander of PAF 1st Air Division.
Outgoing AFP deputy chief for logistics Rear Adm. Mario Catacutan becomes AFP Inspector General. Replacing him is Commodore Teddy Pan, the outgoing Western Command deputy commander.
Outgoing AFP Inspector General Maj. Gen. Jovencio Magalso becomes deputy chief of staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs.
Outgoing Navy Logistics Center chief Commodore Edgar Abogado has been named Naval Forces Northern Luzon chief.
Outgoing Philippine Fleet Service Force chief Commodore Jose Luis Alano becomes chief of Naval Staff.
Outgoing Marine Corps commandant and class ’78 member Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban has been named Western Command chief. He will be succeeded by Task Force Comet chief Marine Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerrero.
Rear Adm. Roberto Estioko has been moved from acting to permanent Navy vice commander.
Former senior military assistant to the Defense Secretary Army Col. Benito Antonio de Leon becomes AFP Command Center chief.
Outgoing 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Mario Chan becomes commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division. Replacing Chan is Maj. Gen, Victor Felix, the outgoing deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations. Felix will be succeeded by Brig. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr., the outgoing commandant of the PMA cadets.
Army Col. Maximo Caro, commander of the 303rd Brigade, has been appointed PMA Cadet Corps chief.
Brig. Gen. Carlos Luces will serve as Army Light Armor Division commander from being its assistant division commander.
Former deputy chief for Intelligence and class ’78 graduate Rear Admiral Victor Martir has been designated AFP Command and General Staff College commandant. He replaces Rear Adm. Ramon Espera Jr., who has been named as Naval Sea Systems Command chief.
Brig. Gen Pedro Rieza Jr. has been named PAF Air Logistics Command while Maj. Gen. Jesus Fajardo will assume as 2nd Air Division chief.
Brig. Gen. Virgilio Domingo has been appointed Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.