Search is on for next PH navy, air force chiefs

By: Frances Mangosing - 11 years ago

Members of the Philippine Air Force Flying School use several SF-260FH aircraft in an aerobatic demonstration during the PAF’s 66th anniversary celebration held at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, on Monday. The old Philippine Air Force had the famous aerobatic Blue Diamond squadron from the 1950s to the ’80s. LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines—The search is on for the Philippine military’s next Navy and Air Force chiefs.

The Board of Generals is now “discussing” the selection of the next Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force and Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, Major General Domingo Tutaan Jr., spokesperson of the military said on Tuesday.

Incumbent Air Force chief Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz will retire on April 30, while Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano will retire on May 1.

One of the leading contenders for the top Air Force post is Major General Jeffrey Delgado (Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982), deputy chief of staff for plans. During the presidency of President Benigno Aquino III’s mother, he was assigned with the Presidential Security Group.

Other contenders according to sources are the Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo (PMA Class 1981), Chief of Air Staff Maj. Gen. Edgar Fallorina (PMA 1983) and 3rd Air Division Commander Maj. Gen. Nicanor Vivar (PMA 1982).

For the top Navy post, the reported leading contenders to replace Alano include his brother, Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano (PMA 1982), chief of Naval Forces Central; Rear Adm. Isabelo Gador (PMA 1981), naval vice commander, Rear Adm. Jesus Milan (PMA 1982), chief of Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

The list of candidates will be passed to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, then Aquino will pick his choice.

Tutaan assured that the selection will be fair.

The Board of Generals is composed of General Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff; Lt. Gen. Alan Luga, AFP Vice Chief; Domingo; Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Army chief; dela Cruz and Alano.

“The Board of Generals will definitely look into and deliberate as far as who the recommendees will be,” Tutaan said.