Duterte extends AFP chief’s term until April 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the term of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero for another four months or until April 2018, a Palace official confirmed on Thursday.

“This is to announce that the Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, has signed yesterday, December 6, the extension of the service of Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque said Guerrero would reach his age of compulsory retirement this December 17. But Mr. Duterte decided to extend his stay as AFP chief until April 24, 2018, as per Republic Act No. 8186, or the law that limits the term of AFP officials.

Guerrero, who assumed office on October 26, would serve as Chief of Staff for a total of six months.             /kga