AFP shakeup jolts 10 major positions

A MAJOR revamp in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) took place on Wednesday, affecting 10 major positions in the military hierarchy.

Two of the most sensitive positions affected by the reshuffle were the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp) and the Presidential Security Command (PSG).

Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Ileto said Brig. Gen. Edmundo Peralta will assume Isafp's top post, rendered vacant for months for unknown reasons.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner presided over the assumption rites of Brig. Gen. Peralta to the Isafp post.

Ileto said Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala, former PSG commander, will be the new chief of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) vice Brig. Gen. Arvin Lagamon.

Zagala relinquished his post on Wednesday during a change of command ceremony at the PSG compound in Malacañang, Manila, presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Zagala was replaced by Brig. Gen. Nelson Morales, the deputy commander of Air Logistics command, who will be tasked to protect the President and the First Family as well as visiting heads of state and diplomats.

AFP's Inspector General chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales will be the commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), replacing Maj. Gen. Steve Crispillo, who took the position vacated by Gonzales.

Brig. Gen. Arvin Lagamon, who was replaced as CRS chief, will assume the new Civil Military Operations (CMO) J7 post, replacing Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray 3rd, who was appointed commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division.

«The movements demonstrate the progressive military careers enjoyed by these officers and the AFP being a dynamic organization. The officers were duly screened by the AFP Board of Generals following the principles of merit, fitness, character, and honor. The candidates were endorsed through the Secretary of National Defense to the Commander in Chief,» Ileto said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force held a change of command rites at Villamor Air Base for the new officers and their respective new positions.

The post of commander of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, headed by Brig. Gen. Aldrin Annani, was passed on to Col. Loreto Pasamonte,