Major AFP revamp looms

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Few but bigger commands are expected to be established as a major reorganization looms in the military.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David said a Mindanao Command, Visayas Command, Luzon Command, External Defense Command and National Development Command will be established soon.

“That will be just a very simple organization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

At present, the military has at least eight commands headed mostly by three-star rank generals. 

These are the Southern Luzon Command, Northern Luzon Command, National Capital Region Command in Luzon; Central Command and Western Command in the Visayas; Eastern Mindanao Command and Western Mindanao Command in Mindanao. 

Military observers believe the reorganization is part of a plan to tone down senior military officers’ jockeying and lobbying for position.