AFP chief Iriberri, other generals take oaths before PNoy

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Hernando Iriberri and 52 other newly-promoted generals and flag officers on Monday took their oaths before President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang.

Iriberri’s ceremonial oath-taking comes six months after he was named as new AFP chief in July. Iriberri took over the top military post following Gen. Gregorio Catapang’s retirement from military service.

Among the high-ranking officials who joined Iriberri during the oath-taking ceremony were Major Generals Ricardo Visaya, Eduardo Año, Romeo Tanalgo who were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.

Promoted to the ranks of Major General and Rear Admiral were Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Commodore Aurelio Rabusa Jr., Brig. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr., Brig. Gen. Arnold Quiapo, Brig. Gen. Conrado Parra Jr., Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr., Brig. Gen. Rolando Picar, Brig. Gen. Angelito de Leon, Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, Brig. Gen. Andre Costales, Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, and Brig. Gen. Elmer Pabale.

Some 34 military officers were also promoted to the ranks of Brigadier General and Commodore. — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/RSJ, GMA News