New AFP chief announced next week

President Duterte is expected to announce his choice for the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) either today or tomorrow.

The new military chief will replace Gen. Ricardo Visaya, who retires from the service on Dec. 8.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said yesterday a shortlist of candidates has been submitted to the President for evaluation.

“We would have to wait for the formal announcement as there is already a shortlist. But I’m not in a position to divulge the names,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commanding general of the Eastern Mindanao Command, former commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion in southern Negros and 3rd Infantry Division, was reportedly among the contenders for Visaya’s post.

Arevalo said the President, as commander-in-chief, is studying the list.

He said those in the shortlist underwent a tedious selection process that took into account their experience, assignments, and experience in handling higher level command.

Duterte last July appointed Visaya who had served as commander of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom).

A member of the Philippine Military Class of 1983, Visaya headed the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. He was also commander of the 104th and 901st Brigades.

Meanwhile, Visaya called on members of PMA Class 2017 cadets “to serve God, people, and country” by being brave and honest public servants.

In his farewell speech at Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Tuesday, Visaya reminded the country’s future soldiers of the noble responsibilities that await them.

He advised the cadets, especially the graduating Salaknib Class of 2017, that they are “soon to join the noble profession of arms where challenges are part of the daily grind.”

“The PMA is where we were honed to be the best that we can be, to live the honorable way, and to be leaders of courage, integrity and loyalty,” he told the cadets.

In another development, another Army general who used to command the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental is up for promotion.

Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, the AFP Inspector General, is slated to lead the AFP Central Command, replacing Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, who was transferred to the Western Mindanao Command.

Lactao will assume his new position at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City today, with Visaya presiding over turnover rites.

Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, who recently assumed command of the 3rd Infantry Division, will replace him.