Northern Luzon Army commander retires; 4 key posts remain vacant

MANILA, Philippines—Another key military post has turned vacant as an Army commander retired from service, bringing to four the number of unoccupied major positions.

Major General Rommel Gomez of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division stepped down from service Monday, Major Harold Cabunoc told reporters on Tuesday.

The 5th Infantry Division, stationed in Gamu, Isabela, is the Army’s primary Infantry unit in Northern Luzon.

Gomez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1979, was replaced in a temporary capacity by Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcos, the acting assistant commander.

Cabunoc said they are waiting for the approval of nominees before submitting it to the President.

“The designation of major unit commanders in the Army is a long process because it needs to pass through the chain of command. It is a deep selection process wherein the President has the final approval of the appointment of the commanders based on parameters like competence, service reputation and leadership traits,” Cabunoc said.

The President has yet to release the appointment orders of the commanders of key units in vacant posts following the retirement of their chiefs.

Army’s 4th Infantry Division is still under Brigadier General Romeo Gapuz in an acting capacity after it was vacated early this month.

The Southern Luzon Command remains under the leadership of Army 2nd Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo del Rosario since July, while the Central Command is under 3rd Infantry Division Commander Major General Jose Mabanta since August.