Aquino, Dellosa interviewed military chief candidates, says Gazmin

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Shortlisted candidates for the top military post have been interviewed by President Benigno Aquino and outgoing Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday.

“Nagkaroon na kami ng interview nung mga ilang araw na rin ang nakakaraan, kasama si Pangulo at saka si General Dellosa,” Gazmin said in a radio interview.

Aquino will make his final choice of the next military chief. He will also lead the retirement rites of Dellosa and turnover ceremony on January 17 at Camp Aguinaldo.

Reported shortlisted candidates are Army chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista, Air Force chief Lieutenant General Catalino dela Cruz, Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Noel Coballes and Southern Luzon Command chief Major General Alan Luga.

Gazmin said the Army contenders have an edge as they are the dominant force of the 125,000 strong soldiers of the AFP.

“..Especially with all the major issues that we face now, and this year we need the help of the armed forces particularly the Army for the election,” he said.

The defense chief, though, clarified that the choices are not limited to Army officials as he noted that retired General Eduardo Oban, who took over the AFP top post in 2010, came from the Philippine Air Force.