AFP implements reshuffle among key officials

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday disclosed movements in key positions within the military organization.

In a statement, the AFP said the reshuffle was due to the appointment of Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria as the new commander of the Armed Forces Western Command (Wescom).

Gloria, who previously served as the deputy chief of staff, was replaced by Lieutenant General Antonio Ramon Lim. Lim was the AFP's inspector general prior to his new post.

AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr. said Major General Franco Nemecio Gacal, current commander of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, will assume the post as the new inspector general.

Gacal will be replaced by Major General Andres Centino. He will direct the military’s internal security operation combatting communist groups in Eastern Mindanao, CARAGA and a portion of Region X.

Santos said Centino, who led the AFP’s Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, OJ3, was replaced by Major General Edgardo de Leon.

According to Santos, De Leon vacated the post of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, OJ7. He was replaced by Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, the former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, AJ8.

Santos said movements within the AFP are necessary to ensure the military’s mission effectiveness.

"The appointments also signify how progressive the careers we have within the military organization,” Santos said.

"The reliefs and designations are integral to and part of the dynamism of the uniformed services. The AFP ensures that it puts the right person on the right job that will carry out our mandate no matter what assignment is put upon their shoulders," he added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News