CA confirms appointment, nomination of 15 senior AFP officers

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Monday confirmed the ad interim appointments and nomination of 15 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the CA's Committee on National Defense found the 14 appointees and one nominee as "fit and qualified to the ranks" given to them.

The nomination of Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. to the rank of lieutenant general gained the nod of the panel.

The ad interim appointments of the following were also confirmed:

• Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr.
• Major General Edgard Arevalo
• Major General Rowen Tolentino
• Major General Edgardo De Leon
• Major General Generoso Ponio
• Major General Peale Jon Bondoc
• Brigadier General Araus Musico
• Brigadier General Angelica Torres
• Brigadier General Carlito Bueno Jr.
• Brigadier General Armel Tolato
• Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino
• Brigadier General Danilo Carino
• Brigadier General Andrew Costelo
• Brigadier General Lyndon Sollesta

Lacson expressed his condolences to Arevalo who received sad news about the passing of his father while awaiting the confirmation of his appointment.

"The CA extends our deepest condolences to Maj. Gen. Arevalo. His beloved father just passed away a few minutes ago or while we were waiting to confirm in plenary his ad interim appointment," he said.

Before the CA plenary session ended, news of a deadly explosion in Jolo, Sulu also broke.

Senator Francis Tolentino expressed his support for Vinluan, the incumbent chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Ito po ay nagpapakita na sa balikat ni Gen. Vinluan ay napakalaki ng naka-atang sa kaniya ngayon," he said.

"We wish you goodluck and I'm sure pag balik mo sa iyong AOR [area of responsibility] eh napakaraming suliranin ang haharapin at alalahanin mo na hindi lang ikaw ang humaharap doon, ang buong pwersa ng Pilipinas ay kasama mo," he added.

The Jolo blast killed at least 12 people, including seven soldiers and a suicide bomber. Almost three dozen others were wounded.  — DVM, GMA News