PAF chief to be replaced 11 days prior to turning 56

The retirement of outgoing Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, will be done on a much earlier date than his 56th birth anniversary, it was learned yesterday.

Colonel Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesman, told the Manila Bulletin that the retirement date of Delgado has been adjusted 11 days earlier than his birthday on March 20.

A member of Philippine Military Academy ( PMA) “Sandigan Class” 1982, Delgado is supposed to reach the mandatory age of retirement from the military service of 56 later this month.

But Canaya said: “Sa March 9 ang turn- over ceremony pero March 20 pa iyung birthday mismo ni sir Jeff (The turnover ceremony will be on March 9 although Delgado’s birthday is not until March 20).”

Asked why the date was moved earlier, Canaya said: “Yung reason behind, honestly I don’t have those information.”

Delgado assumed the position as the 33rd PAF chief on Apr. 30, 2014.

As of press time yesterday, President Aquino has not yet made known his choice of Delgado’s replacement.

Among the contenders for new PAF chief are Maj. Gen. Julius Cesar Guilermo of the 2nd Air Division; Maj. Gen. Conrado Parra, Jr. of the 3rd Air Division; Maj. Gen. Emeraldo Magnaye, the current PAF Vice Commander; and Maj. Gen. Isagani Silva of the Air Logistics Command.