DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 2020 I 1

DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 2020 I 1

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Cleaning and clearing of ash fall and cropping of trees in road sections outside the danger zone are ongoing. A total of Php9,190,412.00 worth of logistical assistance was provided by the Department of Health (DOH), including medicines, face masks, water disinfectants, and hygiene kits. DOH also conducted site inspection in the evacuation centers in Batangas, and deployed personnel for Rapid Health Assessment, Emergency Response Teams, and Human Resources for Health. Disease surveillance and nutrition services are also provided in the evacuation areas. On the distribution of food and non-food items, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided a total of Php16,586,946.28 worth FNFIs as of 20 January 2020. Private donors also extended support in the form of assorted in-kind donations and transport vehicles to assist in the delivery of relief items. Around 1,000 volunteers also assisted in the repacking of relief goods. The Department of Information and Communications Technology installed high-frequency radios in RDRRMC CALABARZON and provided generator sets and VHF/UHF radios for DICT Tagaytay Relay Stations. It also installed communications equipment, computers, and internet access at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City.

A CREDIBLE DEFENSE ORGANIZATION, A RELIABLE PARTNER IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND A STRATEGIC PLAYER IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION

Taal Volcano eruption: Government consolidates effortsSecretary Lorenzana highlights DND’s accomplishments; thanks fellow workers

In his year-ender message for 2019, Defense

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana highlighted the accomplishments of the Department of National Defense (DND) and expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the Department and its Bureaus for their contributions in accomplishing the DND’s mission. The SND in his message emphasized that “the dedication of the military and uniformed personnel of the Department is manifested in the excellent accomplishments for the year, significantly contributing to the peace and stability in the whole country.”

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Public Affairs Service (PAS) Department of National DefensePAS Building, Natividad Avenue Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo,

Quezon City 1110Tel: (+632) 982-5679

Fax: (+632) 911-7113Email: [email protected]

Editor-in-ChiefMiriam G. Albao

Associate EditorNoriza S. Atienza

News EditorEva B. Delos Santos

Layout ArtistThemis N. Escalada

Media RelationsPrime S. Berunia

FinanceNelson L. Gallarde

ContributorsPublic Affairs Service

Dianne M. GammadShane Krista Yumikura

PhotographersPinky A. Fernandez

Support ServiceSSg Anthony B. Cadiz

Shella D. SonoganJasper Abueg

Public Affairs Offices ofOffice of Civil Defense

National Defense College of the PhilippinesArmed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine

Army, Philippine Navy/Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 2020 I 3

In his capacity as Chairperson of the National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)h, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, together with Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, conducted an aerial survey of the towns affected by the Taal Volcano eruption on 18 January 2020. They proceeded to meet with Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, PDRRMC Batangas, and RDRRMC CALABARZON on the same day to discuss the ongoing government relief operations. They also went to the evacuation center in Bauan, Batangas to check the plight of the evacuees. Prior to the aerial survey, Secretary Lorenzana joined President Rodrigo Duterte and other national and Batangas local officials on 14 January 2020 in a situation briefing at the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex in Batangas City. On 21 January 2020, Secretary Lorenzana presided over NDRRMC’s emergency full Council meeting attended by the top officials of the member agencies. Pressing matters that needed the Council’s decision relative to updates on the recent Taal Volcano eruption as well as recovery from other calamities were discussed during the meeting. Also present were representative from various government agencies and civil society organizations concerned. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Renato Solidum presented the latest updates on Taal volcano and gave an account of PHIVOLCS’ previous and ongoing monitoring activities. He also discussed the possible worst-case scenario. Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad apprised the Council on the effects and the extent of damages relative to the Taal eruption as well as the number of families and persons affected, and the number of

evacuation centers in CALABARZON serving the displaced families and individuals. It was also reported that OCD facilitated the distribution of N95 masks for the responders and affected population, as well as transportation of other logistical requirements and deployment of water tankers for evacuation centers. Transportation for the delivery of food and non-food items (FNFIs) and the conduct of aerial surveys for assessment purposes were also coordinated by the OCD. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) provided logistical support for these aerial surveys. Following are the efforts of the member agencies to alleviate the sufferings of those who were affected and displaced by the eruption: The collective efforts of the Search, Rescue and Retrieval Cluster which includes the AFP, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine Coast of Guard have provided assistance in the hauling, delivery and distribution of relief goods, deployment of personnel for evacuation, conducted water rationing, flushing operations and dredging of roads to clear off ashes, as well as the rescue and emergency medical operations. The Department of Public Works and Highways deployed manpower and equipment to assist in the rescue efforts.

On the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “With the National Defense Strategy as our guide, we have pursued the protection of our people and ensured our sovereignty and territorial integrity”, Secretary Lorenzana explained. “We have established a permanent presence in our northernmost island, Mavulis, by hoisting our flag, constructing a Fishermen’s shelter and permanently stationing a Marine contingent on the island. We shall also station more marines in the outlying islands in the Babuyan channel,” he recounted.

On defense cooperation with other countries The SND cited the collaborative efforts with Malaysia and Indonesia under the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement on Immediate Measures to Address Security Issues in the Maritime Areas of Common Concern in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. This collaboration has decreased the kidnappings in those areas to almost nil in the past two years. He also highlighted the continued pursuit of defense cooperation with the other ASEAN members, other partner-countries, and non-traditional partner-countries to promote Philippine Defense interests, generate opportunities for capability and capacity building, and attain stability and progress as well as the protection of a rules-based international order. “Our partner-countries are also assisting us to improve our defense capabilities by making available their defense materiel to the AFP Modernization Program,” he added.

Photos and report courtesy of Office of Civil Defense



Secretary Lorenzana highlights...Continued from page 2

On continual improvement and the pursuit of excellence With its continuing effort to improve management and systems, the DND Offices and Bureaus have strived to meet international standards. Under this program they have achieved certification under the ISO 9001-2015. The Department likewise collaborated with other agencies to improve our facilities through the Convergence Program o Strengthening and Expanding Military Readiness for National Security and Development, also known as Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) program. For 2019, thirty (30) projects amounting to PhP530 million were approved for implementation. For 2020, PhP4.6 billion has been allocated for the DND-DPWH Convergence Program in the National Expenditure Program The projects include

Lorenzana: Nurture One Defense Team concept

To mark the start of the working year 2020, the

traditional joint DND-AFP New Year’s Call was held at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Country in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on 08 January 2020. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana highlighted the gains and accomplishments of the Department and its bureaus, attained through collective efforts and dedication to duty. Some of the Department’s notable contributions to the attainment of peace in 2019 was the peaceful and honest plebiscite in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and the conclusion of the Martial Law in Mindanao with the AFP decimating and

weakening the terrorist and extremist groups in various areas in the region. In addition, the Department and its bureaus, the Government Arsenal, the Office of Civil Defense, the National Defense College of the Philippines, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, have been continuously reforming, improving, and enhancing their capabilities and capacities in order to provide quality service to their stakeholders and to better perform their mandated task. “Let us raise our standards of professionalism, manifest utmost patriotism, and foster a cordial environment to nurture our One Defense

6 I VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 2020 DEFENSE CHRONICLETeam concept,” Secretary Lorenzana encouraged. “Nurture the trust that has been bestowed on us – by our President, and our people. As the saying goes, ‘Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.’ Trust is built on truth, therefore, always be honest, transparent and fair. Finally, serve our clientele with genuine empathy and concern,” Secretary Lorenzana added. Meanwhile, the newly appointed AFP Chief-of-Staff then LTGen Felimon Santos Jr. reaffirmed the pledge of service of the Armed Forces to selflessly serve the nation and the Filipino people. LTGen Santos Jr. expressed the AFP’s commitment to address both internal and external security challenges that threaten the people and hinder the nation’s development. The AFP vowed to continue improving, developing, and reforming programs that would enhance the capabilities and competencies of the organization. “The AFP will continue to make significant victories and perform its mandated task of protecting the people and securing the state,” the AFP Chief-of-said. Officials of the Department and its Bureaus, as well as the top ranking officers of the AFP were present during the event.

On internal security “We have heightened our internal security operations this year, aligned with the President’s agenda to end local com-munist armed conflict and other terrorist activities. In 2019, Task Force Balik-Loob, headed by Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Reynaldo B. Mapagu, has extended the gov-ernment’s support to former NPA rebels through various gov-ernment programs provided by member- and partner-agencies of the Task Force. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, likewise, continues to serve the needs of affected communities through the Community Support Program,” the defense chief explained. He further explained that the Department is at the fore-front in the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, which became the framework of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). NTF-ELCAC institu-tionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to end the local commu-nist armed conflict and places the burden of security and devel-opment on the LGUs supported by all the national agencies of the government. The main objective of the TF is the promotion and establishment of good governance down to the barangay level. As head of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Inte-gration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Program and the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) Lines of Effort (LOEs), the Department was active not only in neutralizing

the armed component of the CPP/NPA, but more importantly giving support to former rebels who returned to the fold of the law. Moreover, the whole Department, through Department Circular No. 13, has been directed to support the efforts not only for our LOEs, but also those of other departments and agencies. We have also created a DND NTF-ELCAC Core Group, headed by Undersecretary of National Defense Cardozo M. Luna, to monitor how all LOEs are implementing their programs. Further, as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Secretary Lorenzana reported that the DND is instrumental in the ongoing establishment of the Re-gional Task Force – ELCAC, designed to address the peculiarities of the BARMM region with the end-goal of eliminating terrorists that have plagued the region for decades, and establish a peace-ful environment that is conducive to economic and social devel-opment. As the implementor of Martial Law in Mindanao, Sec-retary Lorenzana commended the AFP for its excellent efforts to attain the objectives of martial law. The AFP was successful in decimating and weakening the terrorist and extremist groups in the BARMM. “I have directed the AFP to continue to hunt down the remnants of the Maute, BIFFG and Abu Sayaff groups or to accept their surrendering members for rehabilitation”, he added. The DND has been actively participating in the efforts to sustain the gains of peace-building, such as the Normalization

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Track of the peace accord with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), wherein the decommissioning of MILF combatants and their firearms were undertaken in September 2019. Furthermore, the 2000 Peace Agreement with the Re-bolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolu-tionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara Padua-no Group has made significant progress when the latter signed the Clarificatory Implementing Document in July 2019 with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines represented by Undersecretary for Defense Operations Cesar B. Yano as the chairperson of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Commit-tee (JEMC).

Secretary Lorenzana highlights...Continued from page 6

On disaster resilence, morale, and welfare Through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the AFP, the Department has provided timely and continuous interven-tion in provinces ravaged by natural disasters, namely, typhoons, floods and earthquakes. The Regional OCD offices are the nuclei of government rehabilitation and rescue efforts in the provinces. In addition, the Department has invested resources in ensuring the welfare of its active personnel as well as retired sol-diers through its welfare programs provided by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, and the respective human resource offices of the DND-wide offic-es and bureaus. Among the milestones in 2019 are: the increase in benefits for active military personnel under the Joint Resolu-tion No. 1, s. 2018; the release of Hazardous Duty Pay to soldiers in Sulu; the increase of benefits of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary;

and benefits to wounded soldiers and families of soldiers killed during active duty under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Pro-gram. The AFP was deputized during the Elections in May 2019, and together with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies, ensured free, honest, orderly, peace-ful and credible elections. The DND and its bureaus alsoprovided security and rescue forces during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which was held in the Philippines. Additionally, 160 soldier-athletes and coaches participated in the games and earned 26 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze for a total of 54 medals.

construction, repair, and/or development of a runways, roads, road networks, army detachments and PAF hangars. In closing Secretaty Lorenzana called upon all personnel of the Department to continue to pursue excellence in public service. The call to a more effective and efficient Defense Sector is imperative in light of the enormous and varied security challenges confronting the nation. He enjoined the One Defense Team to strive to have our priority legislations passed; expand our relations with partners who share our vision of a strong and effective Defense Department; and pursue efforts that would lead to the attainment our objectives. “Together, let us continue to deliver the service every Filipino deserves with utmost professionalism and dedication. Mabuhay”, Secretary Lorenzana concluded.


NDCP’s 20th President to lead NDCP towards greater relevance

As the National Defense College of the Philippines

(NDCP) welcomes its 20th President, Brigadier General Archimedes H Viaje AFP (Ret), PhD, MNSA, the country’s top notch defense and national security think tank and academic center strives to bolster its research agenda and organizational management to strike a balance between the NDCP’s mission and the welfare of its people. The new President’s demonstrates his competence through his strong academic and professional foundation. BGen Viaje is a member of the Sinagtala Class of 1986 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). He is also a member of NDCP’s Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) Regular Class 48 wherein he was awarded the Silver Medal for Academic Excellence and a Certificate of Recognition for Best Thesis. President Viaje holds master’s degrees in Business Administration, Psychology, and National Security Administration. A Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology and a registered Psychologist, the incumbent NDCP head is indeed apt for leading a social organization. Aside from his notable academic achievements, President Viaje is an experienced leader who had served as the Head of the Department of Social Sciences of the Academic Group (2010) and Inspector General (2013-2014) at

the Philippine Military Academy, Chief of the Military Affairs Division and Chief of Staff of the previous NDCP Presidents (2010-2012), and Dean of Corps of Professors (2014), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Behind his remarkable background, the NDCP chief exalts his life verse that directs his every decision and action: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”—Psalm 127:1 (NIV).

Sustaining Gains and Minimizing Setbacks Under its new leadership, the NDCP is set to uphold its central thrust as the government’s educational, training, and research institution by “sustaining gains and minimizing setbacks.” “Keeping the main thing the main thing,” said President Viaje, aiming to recalibrate the College’s focus towards research and the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) program to produce high quality national security policy options and effective decision-makers. With this, the President seeks to attain the NDCP’s best of both worlds—as a government bureau and as an academic institution—through the development of prompt, quality, and relevant policy inputs and outputs. Among the NDCP’s major objectives, namely, education, research, and extension services (i.e.

DND, TESDA, CHED SIGN RESOLUTION TO ENHANCEIMPLEMENTATION OF NSTP

The National Service Training Program

(NSTP) Joint Committee convened on 4 December 2019 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, to create a technical working group (TWG) to study and enhance the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the NSTP Act of 2001 (R.A. 9163). The national-level committee, composed of the Department of National Defense (DND), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Higher Education, is responsible for the effective implementation

of the IRR of the NSTP in tertiary level education institutions, in consultation with concerned government agencies and organizations. “The DND, TESDA and CHED that are mandated to implement the three different components of the National Service Training Program, namely: the ROTC Program, the Civic Welfare Training Service, and the Literacy Training Service, convened for the first time, for a two-fold purpose. First, to fulfill our respective mandates pursuant to the NSTP law; and second, to realize a higher objective that is

enshrined in the 1987 Constitution,” Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana said. Together with Secretary Lorenzana, TESDA Director-General Isidro S. Lapeña and CHED Chair J. Prospero E. De Vera III also reiterated their commitment to pursue the review and enhancement of the decade-old IRR of R.A. 9163 to align with the present developments in the national security environment. These developments since 2009 include the implementation of the Enhanced Basic Education Program of the K-12, the exemption of majority of technical-vocational students from the NSTP, the non-establishment of the National Service Reserve Corps for the past 16 years composed of graduates in the non-ROTC components of the NSTP, and the implication of free college tuition in state universities and colleges, among others. The creation of the TWG aims to bolster the NSTP in promoting the role of the youth in nation-building and instilling in them patriotism and nationalism, while also encouraging their involvement in public and civic affairs.

trainings, seminars), the present management signifies research as its top priority. “I believe that our research agenda is a tool for us—a guide—(that we need) to prioritize in terms of our needs,” President Viaje reiterated. The research agenda shall be categorized into focus areas arranged according to urgency and importance, to streamline the College’s activities and programs. Furthermore, in the evolving security landscape of the Philippines, the NDCP intends to improve its research impetus by engaging defense stakeholders such as the Department of National Defense, the AFP, and the NDCP Alumni Association, Inc., which the President describes as a “vast source of support, talent, and resources.” Sustaining the gains from the ISO 9001:2015 certification, the NDCP expects improvements on existing practices while creating solutions to other issues. “With that orientation, marami tayong magagawa,” the President added as he further explained assessment of policies, programs, and plans a course to be more efficient and effective. This also applies to the development of a more modernized and institutionalized management systems through its people.

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NDCP’s 20th President...continued from page 6

Service, Professionalism, Unity The NDCP President acknowledges the integral role of the NDCP personnel in achieving its mandates, hence, making the working relations among the departments an indicator of a strong defense and security institution. President Viaje’s leadership strongly employs service, professionalism, and unity as guiding principles in the NDCP’s internal management. “Knowing your job and doing it well,” said President Viaje as he described the essence of a true service, whether big or small. The NDCP affirms professionalism by embodying readiness, willingness, and ability in accomplishing functions and tasks. Apart from these principles, President Viaje is known for his adherence to unity in the NDCP. “Nurture the family concept; one body, many parts,” the President reiterated, epitomizing his determination to cultivate the working relations among the pieces that comprise the College.

Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana (center), together with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, and Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III, signed the first committee resolution

during the convening of the National Service Training Program Joint Committee on 4 December 2019 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.


G E N D E R A N D D E V E L O P M E N T

A woman of breakthroughs

Commodore Luzviminda Camacho: Philippine Navy’s First Female Commodore

A lady officer recently made history as the first woman to become a Commodore

of the Philippine Navy, a rank that is equivalent to a Brigadier General in the other branches of military service. Not only is she the first woman to earn her first star in the navy, she is actually a woman of many breakthroughs. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. led the donning ceremony for Commodore Luzviminda Camacho AFP, as the first female Commodore of the Navy on 28 January 2020 in Camp Aguinaldo. On 12 February 2020, the Commission on Appointments confirmed her ad interim appointment without any objection. The internet went abuzz with news as well as congratulatory and admiration posts on her promotion and her many feats. Because aside from being the first woman to get the rank of commodore, she is also the first woman to command a Philippine Navy ship and the first female Peacekeepers contingent commander, Commodore Camacho AFP who is currently Chief of the Office of Legislative Affairs is also the first female chief of the said office. With her belief that female officers in the Armed Forces can equally perform crucial military roles, she has achieved a well-rounded naval career having successfully completed shipboard and shore assignments. Her significant Command assignments were two (2) patrol gunboats (BRP Manuel Gomez, PG388 and BRP Teotimo Figuracion, PG389) under Littoral Combat Force and two (2) Patrol Ships (BRP Iloilo, PS32 and BRP Magat Salamat, PS20) under Offshore Combat Force. Aside from the various key positions she held in the Philippine Navy and the AFP, she also held significant positions in the United Nations (UN) where she was dubbed as the 1st Female UN Contingent Commander in the military component leading the 17th Philippine Contingent to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti composed of 11 navy officers and 145 sailors and marines. Commodore Camacho credits Republic Act 7192, also known as “An Act Promoting The Integration of Women as Full And Equal Partners

CA confirms appointment of new CSAFPOne Defense Team welcomes new set of AFP, Army, Air force and Navy chiefs

Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana administered the donning of the rank of General to AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr in a ceremony held at the Department of National Defense, CGEA on January 27, 2020.

The Commission on Appointments (CA)

confirmed the appointment of military chief General Felimon Santos Jr. as the 53rd Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 12 February 2020 at the Senate. The newly installed AFP Chief of Staff who took the helm of the country’s military establishment on 5 January 2020, earlier said that his tenure as Chief of Staff will be grounded on the realization of the AFP’s vision to be a world-class armed forces that is a source of national pride. In his speech during the turnover of command ceremony presided over by President Rodrigo Duterte, General Santos enjoined all the military officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resources to remain faithful in their duty to serve the country and the Filipino people. General Santos is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986. He served as the commander of the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command prior to his appointment as the top AFP official. He was the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division in Fort Magsaysay before his Eastmincom post. The string of new appointments among the AFP top brass was completed with the recent appointment of the Philippine Navy’s 38th Flag Officer-in-Command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo who assumed command of the 25,000-strong Navy. He succeeded retired Vice Admiral Robert

of Men in Development and Nation Building” as the instrument that started to open the window of opportunities to all female officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP to be at par with their male counterparts. For one whose achievements are awe-inspiring and appear to be bigger than life, her driving force is a reflection of her being a true soldier as it is her dedication to duty that is at the core of her successes. “It is our duty to work hard and have a goal that you need to fulfill,” she says. On her extraordinary success as a woman, she shares that “being in the naval service dominated by male, I have faced various challenges that somehow tested my faith.” However, Commodore Camacho said that she clearly set her goals and worked hard to achieve them. “My deep commitment to my chosen career aided me to transform my dreams into reality. It is with high hopes that my achievements will serve as an inspiration to other female soldiers…that gender should not serve as a hindrance to achieve your dreams,” she said. “May the legacy I have marked in the naval history continuously influence others to contribute in promoting positive change and progress in the workplace.”

Empedrad and the succession was formalized in a change-of-command ceremony at the Navy Headquarters on 3 February 2020 with President Duterte presiding. RADM Bacordo is the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987 salutatorian and has held a number of other key posts, including former commander of Naval Sea System Command and commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon. In his assumption speech as the new FOIC, he enjoined the Navy to keep a “modern mindset” that will usher in the modern era for the Philippine Navy as he vowed to implement the Navy’s modernization program. Department of National Defense Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said “Having previously served as the Commander of the Philippine Fleet, the Department is confident that RADM Bacordo’s extensive experience, impeccable service record, and proven expertise will propel our navy forward as it continues to modernize, improve its capabilities, and face maritime security challenges of our country.” Prior to the change of command in the navy, the Philippine Air Force also had a turnover of leadership following the compulsory retirement of LtGen Rozzano D Briguez AFP who turned over the highly coveted post of Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to Major General Allen T Paredes AFP at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on 16 January 2020.

President Duterte who led the turnover ceremony lauded the PAF for the invaluable contributions and accomplishments in the areas of internal security, operations, disaster response as well as in support of security and peacekeeping efforts. Prior to his appointment as the 37th Air Force Chief, Paredes served as commander of the Air Logistics Command. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. He is committed to continue the journey of the country’s winged service guided by the command thrust, “Take the LEAD, Soar as ONE”. Meanwhile, late last year, in a Change of Command Ceremony held on December 6, 2019, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay officially assumed as the new Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA) with National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana presiding at the turnover of leadership from the outgoing Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto. Prior to Lt. Gen. Gapay’s appointment as CGPA, he served as the Commander of the Southern Luzon Command and Commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division. He graduated at the top of the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986. The new CGPA who’s career in the Army has already spanned thirty-three years said in his assumption speech that “the Philippine Army shall remain a highly capable force provider to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

12 I VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 2020 DEFENSE CHRONICLE

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DEFENSE CHRONICLE VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 2020 I 1