AFP revamp to affect senior military officials

MANILA, Philippines - A major reshuffle in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) looms with senior military officers occupying key field and office positions getting new assignments next month.

The reshuffle, which will affect mostly senior officers belonging to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982 and 1983, is due to the retirement of two area commanders – Davao-based Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III and Lucena City-based Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief Lt. Gen. Ceasar Ronnie Ordoyo.

Cruz and Ordoyo, both of PMA Class ’80, will reach the military’s mandatory retirement age of 56 next month.

Sources from Camp Aguinaldo said Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Cagayan de Oro-based 4th Infantry Division (ID), will replace Ordoyo who retires on Sept. 8.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Capiz-based 3rd ID, will get Cruz’s post as Eastmincom commander.

AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Monday confirmed the new designations of Visaya and Balabad.

Visaya belongs to PMA Class ’83 while Baladad is Class ’82.

AFP deputy chief for operations Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao of PMA Class ’84 will replace Visaya as commander of the 4th ID.

 Maj. Rey Leonadro Guerrero, the Army’s chief at Fort Bonifacio, will take over as 3rd ID commander.