Lorenzana favors extending new AFP chief’s term beyond 2 months

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that he is in favor of extending the term of newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero to give him more time to do his

plans and programs for the 125,000strong military organization.

Lorenzana said that an extension of his tour of duty will enable General Guerrero do more on his job as chief of staff. Guerrero is set to retire from the military service on December 17, 2017, pursuant to the law mandating the retirement of military officers on their 56th birth anniversary.

"Oo naman kasi ano naman magagawa ni General Guerrero in two months? Siguro ma-extend ng mahabahaba na panahaon para naman magampanan ang tarabaho niya (Of course, because what can he do in two months? Maybe his term could be extended for a longer time so he can do his job)," Lorenzana said.

But Lorenzana said it will be up to President Duterte whether to extend Guerrero's term or not.

"Actually, the President has the prerogative to extend, kahit magre-retire na iyung chief of staff… pwede niya i-extend iyan (he can extend that),” he said.

Lorenzana added that there is still martial law in Mindanao. “Martial law – that is good reason for the President to extend whoever is in position," Lorenzana added.

Guerrero said it is up to the Chief Executive if he decides extend his term or not. At the moment, he said, his main focus is to destroy all armed groups operating in the country – terrorists, NPAs, and other lawless groups.

Before his appointment as the 49th chief of staff of the AFP, Guerrero served as commander of the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984, Guerrero's leadership of the command focused on defeating the NPA scourge that is currently concentrated in the southern and northeastern Mindanao.

Prior to his current post, he was the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division based in the Visayas. He was also the chief of staff of the Philippine Army; commander of 701st Infantry Brigade; and commander of Task Force Davao.

He is a decorated military officer, among his awards being the Distinguished Service Star four times, the Order of Lakandula (Degree of Commander), the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer), and the Honorary Airborne Wings from the Royal Thai Army.

Guerrero is married to Jayne Revatores Guerrero. They have three sons and a daughter.