Eastmincom head named new AFP chief

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Eastern Command chief Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. will take over the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from Gen. Noel Clement who is set to retire this month after a three-month stint as military chief.

President Duterte will preside over the command turnover on Saturday.

Santos is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.

Before assuming command of Eastmincom, Santos headed the Army’s 7th Infantry Division.

Duterte appointed Clement as the country’s military chief last September. He was commander of the Cebu-based Central Command prior to his appointment as AFP chief, the sixth under the Duterte administration. Clement had also served in Southern Mindanao.

While Clement’s successor has already been named, there is no word yet from Duterte on who is to replace retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde. Currently heading the PNP in an acting capacity is Police Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.

In a memorandum recently, Duterte has tasked Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to take charge of the PNP, while vetting for a permanent replacement for Albayalde continues. Albayalde went on “non-duty status” in October – or days before his retirement in November – at the height of the “ninja cops” controversy involving police who recycled seized drugs.