Two senior military officers vying for top ISAFP post

Manila, Philippines - Two senior military officers are now reportedly vying for the top post of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), to replace Maj. Gen. Romulo Bambao who is being groomed as the next commander of Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal.

Military sources said Army Brig. Gen. Samuel Narbuada and Air Force Brig. Gen. Francisco Cruz are the top contenders to be the next ISAFP chief, once Bambao becomes 2nd ID commander.

Cruz is the AFP’s deputy chief of staff for intelligence (J2) while Narbuada is currently the AFP assistant deputy chief of staff for intelligence.

Bambao is the top choice to replace Maj. Gen. Jessie Dellosa, as 2nd ID commander.

Dellosa has been moved to head the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based at Camp Servillano Aquino in President Aquino’s home province of Tarlac.

“Barring any hitches, General Bambao from what we know, is set to assume command today of 2nd ID,” a source said.

The source said that the designation of the new chief of the 2nd ID would be made once Malacañang picks the new ISAFP chief.

Brig. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo was designated as 2nd ID chief, until Bambao is officially confirmed and installed.

Bambao, Dellosa, Cruz and Narbuada all belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979.