12 senior military officers given new assignments

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve senior military officers were given new assignments in the latest wave of leadership changes in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the new designations have been approved by President Aquino, also the military’s commander-in-chief.

Commodore Roberto Santos, the outgoing chief of the Naval Forces Central, has been named commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command.

Santos used to be the assistant deputy chief of staff for education and training and deputy commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Western Mindanao.

Santos will be succeeded by Commodore Leopoldo Alano, the outgoing commander of Naval Base Cavite. Alano previously served as chief of the Bonifacio Naval Station based in Taguig.

Commodore Romeo Santiago Nebres, the deputy commander and spokesman for the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM), will succeed Alano as chief of Naval Base Cavite.

Navy Capt. Severino Vicente David, the current military assistant for national defense system management, will succeed Nebres as deputy chief of EASTMINCOM.

Commodore Philip Cacayan, the outgoing chief of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, has been named Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for personnel. He will replace Maj. Gen. Raoul Reyes who has retired from the service.

Cacayan will be succeeded by Commodore Isabelo Gador, the outgoing chief of the AFP Office of Legislative Affairs. Gador previously served as chief of the Philippine Fleet Patrol Force.

Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay has been appointed deputy commander of the Cebu-based Central Command (CENTCOM).

Prior to his appointment as deputy chief of CENTCOM, Sumagaysay was assistant chief of the Army’s 3rd division and commander of the 303rd brigade.

Other officers who were given new posts are Col. Victor Bayani, who was named chief of AFP Office for Legislative Affairs and Col. Cesar Dionisio Sedillo, who will assume as assistant commander of 6th Infantry Division.

Col. Ademar Tomaro has been designated commander of the Army’s 602nd brigade while Col. Roberto Domines Jr. has been named assistant commander of the Army’s 7th division.

Col Angelito de Leon, the outgoing Army assistant chief of staff for operations, has been appointed commander of the 1001st brigade.

AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa challenged the newly appointed officers to “exceed expectations in their new assignments” and to use their posts to serve the public.