46 AFP generals, flag officers get CA approval

MANILA, Philippines —  The appointments of 46 generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been approved ad interim by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Among the 46 are former Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala.

The appointment of four female officers was also approved: Col. Elba Cruz, Rosa Ma. Cristina Manuel, Marissa Narag and Cynthia Liao.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri thanked the flag officers, saying “we are enjoying democracy and the freedom we have today due to sacrifices you’ve made for our nation and we are grateful.”

Zagala was appointed as commander of the AFP-Civil Relations Service in October 2023.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales replaced him as PSG chief.

The CA panel deferred the ad interim appointment of Brig. Gen. Ranulfo Sevilla upon the request of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who was not able to attend the CA meeting.

Sevilla is the deputy commander of the AFP-Special Operations Command.

The CA panel will hear Hontiveros’ opposition to Sevilla’s appointment along with the opposition of Tessa Luz Aura Reyes-Sevilla next week.

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. commended the AFP officers for keeping the country secure and safe.