General Hernando DCA Iriberri, Chief of Staff AFP, stands at the center of 104 other military officers after the Senate confirmed their new ranks this morning (September 9). Photo by Ssg Amable Milay Jr. PAF (PAO AFP)
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the confirmation of the appointment of its chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri and 104 senior military officers.
“The AFP extends its appreciation and thanks to the members of the Commission for their continued support and due diligence to ensure the integrity of the career progression of the AFP and that all these officers are deserving of their appointment to their higher rank,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Restituto Padilla said on Wednesday.
Iriberri personally thanked the Commission and the Senate President, and assured them of the AFP high regard for the constitutional provision of civilian supremacy over the military.
Human rights group Karapatan, meanwhile, slammed Iriberri’s confirmation.
“While the AFP and its paramilitary forces continue their killing spree in Mindanao and the rest of the country, the Aquino government rewards military chiefs behind the killings like AFP chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri, confirming his promotion as a four-star general today,” said Tinay Palabay, Secretary General of Karapatan.
Iriberri also has a pending case before the Ombudsman for alleged failure to issue documents for three projects worth P97.7 million.
He was also recently in the news with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for the shelving of the P6.5 billion Shore-Based Missile System projects for the AFP modernization program in favor of marksmen rifles and long-sniper weapons and other equipment for the Philippine Army.
No member of the CA objected when a motion to recommend Iriberri’s appointment was put on the floor.