AFP chief Sobejana now a four-star general

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Chief of Staff Cirilito Sobejana  officially received his fourth star on Wednesday, three weeks after the confirmation of his nomination to the rank of general.

The ceremony was led by Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano—on behalf Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is in isolation due to COVID-19—at the Department of National Defense’s building in Camp Aguinaldo.

Sobejana received the traditional military honors given to all appointed AFP chiefs. It was attended by Sobejana’s family and the chiefs of the Joint, Personal, and Special Staff of the AFP.  

“While these stars firmly resting on my shoulders are a testament to my personal achievements, it is still a strong reminder to everyone that should never be conscious of their positions but should remain humble and thankful, and to always exercise due prudence and diligence in the discharge of their respective duties and responsibilities,” Sobejana said in a statement.

On March 24, the Commission on Appointments (CA) approved the nomination of Sobejana to the rank of general.

His promotion was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 8.

Three other senior military officers also received their first star after being promoted to their next higher ranks in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters Building on Wednesday.

Colonel Joel Alejandro Nacnac, Chief of the AFP Human Rights Office; Colonel Edgardo Palma, Chief of the Office of the Special Studies and Strategy Management; and Colonel Erick Escarcha, Chief of AFP Command Center were all promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. — BM, GMA News