MANILA, Philippines — Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero was confirmed as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff on Wednesday after he successfully hurdled the powerful Commission on Appointments.
Aside from Guerrero’s appointment, the bicameral body also approved the promotion of 40 military officers.
Graduating in the top three of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, Guerrero is slated to retire on December 17, although the president, being the appointing authority, can extend his term.
Guerrero replaced Gen. Eduardo Año, who retired last October 26.
The general was among two top contenders to replace Año, who bowed out of the military service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
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Guerrero took charge of the AFP as the military wound down operations in Marawi City, which had been besieged by Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists since May, and as prospects for peace talks with communist rebels dimmed further.