CA confirms 70 AFP officers’ ad interim promotions

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday approved the ad interim appointments of 70 general and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to higher ranks.

Before the plenary approval, the CA Committee on National Defense conducted a hearing on the ad interim appointments.

During the hearing, Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked Jacla about a P3.31-million increase in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) that appeared unaccounted for in records.

Jacla said the increase was due to property jointly acquired with his wife, who works as a senior manager in an IT (information technology) company.

“I believe the entry on my SALN was based on the properties that were acquired by (me) together with my wife,” Jacla said.

“That property, if my memory serves me right, was a parcel of land that we purchased jointly,” he added.

Hontiveros also asked Lelina about a previous reprimand for violating the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 and the Philippine Army’s Standard Operating Procedure No. 9 related to the training of candidate soldiers.

A report indicated that Lelina had earlier expressed concerns that the SOP provisions—such as requiring eight hours of uninterrupted sleep and limiting physical discipline—were not conducive to producing resilient soldiers.

“Nagbago na po,” Lelina said, adding that he now fully supports and will implement the Anti-Hazing Law and SOP No. 9.

Hontiveros likewise questioned Nirza over allegations linking him to illegal and arbitrary arrests of activists in Southern Tagalog in August 2024.

The claims included accusations that a detainee was denied immediate access to legal counsel and subjected to intimidation.

Nirza denied the allegations and said military operations are conducted in accordance with the rule of law, human rights standards, and coordination with the Philippine National Police.

He also noted that no case had been filed against him and said he would address any complaints through proper institutional processes.

“I categorically deny that because when we conduct security operations, we do so together with our counterpart, the Philippine National Police,” Nirza said.

“The processing is handled by the civilian authorities,” he added.

The AFP officers whose promotions were confirmed were:

Brigadier General (Philippine Army)

1. Francis P. Carandang

Colonel (Philippine Army)

1. Rowel M. Tabas
2. Von Michael D. Blase
3. Anthony Fer S. Solamo
4. Luisita G. Clavecillas II
5. Percival R. Alcanar
6. Neil Armstrong F. Batayola
7. Ferdinand Bruce M. Tokong
8. Franklin M. Garcia
9. Cleto R. Lelina Jr.
10. Udgie C. Villan
11. Charlie L. Saclot
12. Teresita B. Gangan
13. Peter Louie F. Solosa
14. Romeo J. Gabor
15. Andrew M. Cagape
16. Robert F. Betita
17. Terence P. Ylanan
18. Emmanuel C. Laroa
19. Lamcel B. Caranguian
20. Victor A. Teleron
21. Noel B. Wamil
22. Ronnie C. Sta. Catalina
23. Ranier G. Mabus
24. Achernar A. Labordo
25. Randy P. Galiza
26. Michael L. Cuarteros
27. Reynir S. Nirza
28. Francis R. Espiritu

Colonel (Philippine Air Force)

1. Robert C. Isnani
2. Angelo L. Caraig
3. Jeffrey T. Kalaw
4. Regino C. Mayor

Colonel (Philippine Navy–Marines)

1. John Paul S. Jacla
2. Primrose H. Corral

Colonel (Judge Advocate General Service)

1. Armando T. Laranang

Colonel (Technical Services)

1. Jerico C. Maano — Medical Corps
2. Alexander C. Zapanta — Medical Corps
3. Herbert S. Cinco — Medical Administrative Corps
4. Gina B. Burac — Nurse Corps
5. Emmanuel P. Cuadra — Dental Service

Captain (Philippine Navy)

1. Mark B. Buhion
2. Ronald O. Paras
3. Susan B. Quisido
4. Roberto O. Tavares Jr.
5. Frederick M. Francisco
6. Aniceto P. Medalla III
7. Lex Heathcliff B. Basilio
8. Allan C. Canaleja

Colonel (Philippine Army)

1. Lemuel A. Baduya
2. Magno M. Mapalad III
3. Earl T. Panganiban
4. Omar B. Hagada
5. Nantes S. Occiano
6. Jelson D. Buyuccan
7. Agnes B. Ballinas
8. Rey David A. Taqueban
9. Rommel B. De Mesa
10. Noli D. Binbinon
11. Jeffrey P. Balingao
12. Marvin A. Maraggun
13. Chris C. Baloran
14. Norleo G. Addulam
15. Rodolfo G. Tubera Jr.
16. Peter G. Barola
17. Gene Paul P. Santos
18. Anthony R. Amora
19. Ritchie L. Salinas
20. Beverly M. Librada

Captain (Philippine Navy)

1. Emmanuel Azrael A. Ebbah

—MCG, GMA Integrated News