Bautista assumes command of AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista has officially assumed command as the Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines, succeeding General Jessie Dellosa.

President Benigno Aquino III, as commander in chief, witnessed the 10:00 a.m. turnover ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo Thursday.

Bautista was an Army chief prior to taking over the AFP leadership.

Dellosa was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for his “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service rendered” when he was AFP chief.

He is bowing out of service three days ahead of his retirement date on January 20.