Appointment of Air Force chief defended

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo on Friday said there is nothing irregular with the designation of Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez as the new commanding general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) replacing Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard Kintanar, Jr.

In a statement, Arevalo said Kintanar was replaced not for any issues of corruption or anomalies as insinuated by some posts in social media, reiterating that the recent change in the PAF leadership is part of the ongoing movement in the top posts in the AFP hierarchy.

“A few days ago, with the retirement of Lt. Gen. Rafael Valencia, his post as inspector general was filled by Lt. Gen. Paul Atal who yielded his post to Maj. Gen. Noel Clement. That rendered the latter’s post as commander, 10th Infantry Division vacant. We expect further movements in the top level AFP leadership with the impending retirement of General Carlito Galvez, Jr. as AFP chief of staff,” Arevalo said.

“As has been announced, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. replaces him and thereby renders his post as commander, Eastern Mindanao Command vacant,” he said. “The Board of Generals has convened to deliberate on the movements in the AFP’s top posts,” he added.

Arevalo said as a dynamic organization, AFP officers are accustomed to such movements. “The end view is to ensure continuity and seamless transitions in command and leadership that bear on accomplishing our 83-year old mandate of protecting the people and securing the state,” Arevalo said.