PNoy swears in AFP chief, 20 other military officers

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday swore in 21 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including newly appointed military chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

Catapang was joined by his family when Aquino administered his oath of office at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañang Palace. Defense Secretary Voltaine Gazmin was also present during the event.

Catapang formally assumed his post as AFP chief last July 18, replacing General Emmanuel Bautista.

Weeks after Catapang's appointment, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that retired military generals associated with former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were plotting to topple the Aquino administration.

Officials from both the AFP and Malacañang however maintained that there was no restiveness within the ranks of the military.

Other military officers

Aside from Catapang, Lt. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. was also sworn in as Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) commander. Major General Donato San Juan meanwhile took his oath as commander of the Philippine Army's Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

Also promoted were: Major General Victor Bayani, Major General Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., Major General Mayoralgo dela Cruz, Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, Major General Glorioso Miranda, Brigadier General Medardo Geslani, and Brigadier General Arthur Ang.

Also among those inducted into office were: Brigadier General Vicente Yordan, Commodore Allan Rosal, Brigadier General Arnold Mancita, Brigadier General Enrique Reyes, Brigadier General Armando Bañez, Brigadier General Edgar Gonzales, Brigadier General Irma Almoneda, Brigadier General Johnny Macanas, Brigadier General John Oliviamor Estabillo, Brigadier General Manolito Orense, and Brigadier General Job Yucoco. — Andreo Calonzo/BM, GMA News