MANILA, Philippines - A new commander of the Philippine Army’s (PA) Light Armor Division (LAD), a key unit in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was installed yesterday ahead of an expected major reorganization of the military leadership once the new administration assumes office next month.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu presided over the turnover of command held at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac between outgoing LAD commander Maj. Gen. Samuel Narcise and his deputy, Brig. Gen. Carlos Luces.
Luces, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979, replaced Narcise, of PMA Class ‘76, who retired yesterday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Army spokesman Maj. Ronaldo Alcudia said the command turnover is internal and in line with the rules of succession because of Narcise’s retirement yesterday.
“Because of the election ban on appointments, Gen. Luces’ appointment is in an acting capacity and will only be permanent after his designation as new LAD commander is approved after the ban,” Alcudia said.
The changing of the guards at LAD, a key unit in the government’s anti-coup and anti-insurgency operations, was seen as the beginning of a major reorganization that is expected to take effect within the defense and military establishments after June 30.
Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, who will surely be replaced after June 30, said that he will submit his resignation as defense chief and will reassume the chairmanship of his party, the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP).
Talks circulating in various military camps have it that while the incoming Aquino administration intends to retain Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa until his retirement in December this year, its search committee is now considering whether or not to keep Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Delfin Bangit.
Bangit is perceived to be very close to President Arroyo, although some military officers describe him as very professional.
Bangit was Mrs. Arroyo’s Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief, and his climb up the military command ladder and his appointment as AFP chief were attributed by critics to his perceived closeness to President Arroyo.
Bangit declared that as AFP chief, he serves under the pleasure of the President in reference to the possibility of him being replaced by the new administration.