Former Task Force Ranao chief now leads Nolcom

The leadership of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) was formally turned-over to Major General Ramiro Rey on Friday in Tarlac City.

Rey replaced Lieutenant General Emmanuel Salamat, who was known as the "Warden of the North." Salamat served for more than 38 years as a cadet and a Marine officer.

Armed Forces chief General Benjamin Madrigal led the change of command ceremony in Camp Aquino.

Rey, member of the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class of 1987, was the commander of the AFP Special Operations Command which consolidates, oversees and manages the AFP's elite units.

Rey also served as the Commander of Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and eventually the Task Force Ranao and continued the AFP's operations in Marawi City.

"His exemplary leadership played a crucial role in the defeat of the IS-inspired terrorists and paved the way for the liberation of Marawi City," Madrigal said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News