AFP submits list of possible replacement for outgoing PMA superintendent

MANILA, Philippines - The Board of Generals has endorsed three senior officers to replace Philippine Military Academy superintendent Maj. Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig who is due to retire from the service on November 15 upon reaching the retirement age of 56. A military source who spoke on condition of anonymity identified the three as: AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Rear Admiral Leonardo Calderon, Light Armor Division commander Maj. Gen. Samuel Narcise and 7th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Ralph Villanueva. The source said the military’s Board of Generals, which is chaired by AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano, has already transmitted its recommendation to the Department of National Defense, which will finally be subject to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's approval. “The recommendation is already out but I am not exactly aware where it is now. As far as we are concerned, its already out of GHQ (AFP general headquarters)," the official said. “It can be Admiral Calderon or the other two-star generals, Gen. Narcise and Gen. Villanueva," he said. Maligalig, who is a member of the PMA class of 1976, assumed as PMA superintendent in 2005. He headed the PMA for three years as part of the military reforms to enable the superintendent pursue his programs. - GMANews.TV