PAF general is new CentCom head

CEBU, Philippines - The commander of the 2nd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force at the Brigadier General Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City now serves as the new chief of the Central Command-Armed Forces of the Philippines replacing officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado.

Major Gen. Roy Devera-turda was formally welcomed at the Centcom headquarters during a turnover ceremony yesterday morning at the Centcom’s parade grounds.

Abogado will be assuming his post as the Philippine Military Academy superintendent as the current PMA superintendent, Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, is set to retire from the service this month.

The topmost priority of Deveraturda as Centcom commander is having an insurgency-free region, Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform and the AFP’s role in national development.

“The duty to lead Centcom is a herculean task for any commander because of the various challenges that lie ahead but this is also one undertaking that I am prepared and willing to take as life in the military service must always be dedicated and focused towards meeting challenges for God, country and people,” Deveraturda said in his assumption speech.

In terms of security plan, Deveraturda said he will aggressively pursue a similar drive at operational level under “Kalinaw Visayas III” since armed struggle is not the only solution to problems and that an end to conflicts and violence allows the AFP to shift its focus to even greater concerns such as territorial defense, economic growth, environmental degradation and poverty alleviation.

For his part, Abogado said he relinquishes his post with joy as he recognized the efforts of the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the headquarters.

“I appreciate the AFP’s goal in maintaining peace and professionalism of all soldiers in the Visayan front liner,” he said in his speech.

Secretary of National Defense and Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, who presided over the turnover ceremony, praised Abogado’s short stint as Centcom chief for continuing the campaign of Centcom not just in the insurgency but in the other aspects as well.   (FREEMAN)