AFP says 77 newly promoted military generals take oath in Malacañang

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sworn into office 77 newly promoted military generals, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

The AFP said that Marcos administered the oath to the generals in Malacañang Palace on February 6.

The military announced Tuesday that AFP chief General Andres Centino witnessed the oaths of seven three-star, 17 two-star, and 53 one-star newly promoted generals and flag officers.

Of the 77 senior officers, 36 belong to the Philippine Army.

The President administered the oath of office to newly promoted Army generals such as Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba, 1st Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, and 5th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Audrey L. Pasia.

Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Rowen S. Tolentino, Southern Luzon Command Commander Efren P. Baluyot, Western Mindanao Command Commander Roy M. Galido, and Visayas Command Commander Benedict M. Arevalo were also promoted.

Newly promoted three-star generals held Army leadership positions.

The Philippine Navy’s Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., and the following Rear Admirals (RAdm) and Marine Major Generals (MGen) swore before the President:

• RAdm Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta (Chief of Naval Staff)
• RAdm Donn Anthony Miraflor (Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao)
• MGen Joseph Ferrous Cuison (Commander, Naval Reserve Command)
• MGen Arturo Rojas (Commander, AFP Special Operations Command)

Likewise, among the promoted were the following Commodores and Marine Brigadier Generals (BGen):

• BGen Vicente Ronatay (Commander, AFP Reserve Command)
• BGen. Mark Anthony Blanco (Commander, 4th Marine Brigade)
• Commo Socrates Daza (Commander, Sealift Amphibious Force)
• BGen Doroteo Jose Jalandoni (Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs)
• Commo Alan Javier (Commander, (Naval Forces West)
• Commo Oscar Canlas Jr., (Deputy Commander, Visayas Command)
• BGen Nestor Narag Jr. (Commander, Combat and Service Support Brigade)
• BGen Eric Macaambac (Commander, 1st Marine Brigade)
• Commo Marcos Imperio (Commander, Communication, Electronics and Information Systems Service AFP)

Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief reminded the generals to “keep up with the times” in dealing with conflicts.

“We, therefore, have to be more agile in our responses not only in the military area but also in diplomacy, geopolitical negotiations, and in our partnerships that we foster with our friends and allies around the world,” Marcos said.

“The AFP has never failed in that mission, and I only hope to continue to inspire you to keep up the good work and keep the Philippines safe,” he added. — Mae Anne Bilolo, trainee

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