AFP welcomes new vice chief of staff

MILITARY chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro on Thursday led key Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials in welcoming its new vice chief of staff (VCSAFP), Maj. Gen. Arthur Cordura, during a change of chief of office ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

The first VCSAFP to serve for up to three years, Cordura replaced Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony Reyes, the AFP’s deputy chief of staff, who has been acting VCSAFP since the retirement of Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria in September.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990, Cordura has over 32 years of experience as a military officer with stints as a line pilot, instructor pilot, administrative and supply officer, and squadron commander early in his career.

Since then, he has served in various staff and command functions, including as the current vice commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF); and formerly as chief of Air Staff, PAF; commander, Air Force Reserve Command; Wing Commander, 520th Air Base Wing; deputy commander, Tactical Operations Command; and chief, Air Force Strategy Management Office.

Bacarro, who presided over the ceremony, hailed Cordura’s experience and accomplishments as an officer and public servant.

“Your years of experience in the noble profession of arms, most notably as vice commander of the Philippine Air Force, have more than prepared you for this position,” Bacarro said.