AFP chief gets his fourth star

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Eduardo Año receives his fourth star, donned by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his wife Jean Joselyn Maria Año during simple rites at the Department of National Defense Building Hall of Flags at Camp Aguinaldo. PHOTO FROM AFP PAO

Almost a month after his assumption as chief of staff of the 125,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Eduardo Año finally received his fourth star on Thursday.

The chief of staff was promoted to the rank of General, which is exclusive to the AFP chief.

“He was donned the fourth star by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his wife Jean Joselyn Maria Año in simple rites at the Department of National Defense Building Hall of Flags at Camp Aguinaldo,” AFP public affairs Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a news release.

READ: Año is new AFP Chief of Staff

Año, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, replaced his mistah or classmate, Gen. Ricardo Visaya who retired last December 7.

The highest rank in the Philippine military is the five-star general, which is given to the commander-in-chief and the President of the Philippines.

Año’s promotion will be subject to the approval of the Commission on Appointments. CDG