CA confirms nomination of AFP’s intel service head

MANILA, Philippines — The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of President Rodrigo Duerte’s appointed military intelligence service head.

Before the CA’s plenary session, the body’s Committee on National Defense deliberated on and recommended the nomination of Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra to the rank of Major General.

Duterte appointed Niembra as the new chief of the Intelligence Service of Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) in July this year.

Niembra served as PSG commander from May 2018 to February 2020.

He was then assigned as Brigade Commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army stationed in Mati, Davao Oriental.

The CA also confirmed the ad interim appointments of the following AFP officers:

Ulpiano Olarte to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
Elpidio Natividad Jr. to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
Gem Eulogio Escobido to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
Angelo Gerald Ariles to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
Rey Leo Pambid to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
Sherwin Respeto to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
John Barrameda to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
Oliver Reforba to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
Ma. Dolores Lim to the rank of Colonel, Nurse Corps
Pura Lyn Epres to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps
Noel Baluyan to the rank of Brigadier General
Audrey Pasia to the rank of Brigadier General
Nolasco Mempin to the rank of Brigadier General
Alex Rillera to the rank of Brigadier General

EDV