AFP chief starts farewell visit to troops

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri. PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE ARMY

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri has started his farewell visit to the 120,000-strong uniformed men last week.

“Last week nag-start siya. Medyo busy pa rin ang schedule; napo-postpone yung ibang visits niya pero ‘pag nakasilip siya ng schedule, ang pinupuntahan niya ‘yung mga units natin, lalong-lalo na yung unified commands,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato on Tuesday.

Iriberri will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on April 22, but President Benigno Aquino III has not yet announced his replacement.

“He is focused on retiring on April 22,” Detoyato said when asked if the AFP chief is expecting to be extended.

Detoyato said that Iriberri also gives guidance to the troops for the upcoming elections during his farewell visits.

“Marami pa siyang hindi napuntahan, especially ‘yung mga units na nag-serve siya since tenyente. Para kasi sa amin, ‘yung mga units na sineserbisyuhan namin na assignment namin, ‘yun ang mga memorable,” he said.

Iriberri has already visited the Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao Commands, Detoyato said. JE