AFP chief, 15 other generals promoted

MANILA, Philippines - Less than four months after his assumption as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa got his fourth star from President Aquino, the commander-in-chief.

Dellosa assumed the highest post in the AFP last Dec. 12, 2011. He previously held the position of commander of the North Luzon Command (NOLCOM) before the President designated him as AFP chief, replacing Gen. Eduardo Oban.

Aquino also approved the promotion of 15 other generals, including AFP Inspector General Maj. Gen. Irineo Espino who got his third star (lieutenant general).

Also promoted to the rank of major general were Brig. Gen. Joel Ibañes, commander of the Philippine Army’s (PA) Training and Doctrines Command, and Brig. Gen. Romulo Cabantac, AFP’s chief engineer.

The full colonels who got their first star from the President and are now brigadier generals are Oscar Lopez, Noel Miano, Felecito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., Aurelio Baladad, Rolando Jungco, Carlos Quita, Julius Guillermo, Salvador Melchor Mison and Paulita Cruz.

Cruz is the second active female general in the AFP after Brig. Gen. Ramona Go. Cruz is the current AFP’s chief nurse.

“The additional stars on my shoulders come with greater responsibility on my part. I am truly honored by this promotion, and I feel indebted to the people whom I will continue to serve faithfully,” Dellosa said.

He said that he will expect the same from the rest of the newly promoted officers.

“Rest assured that with this promotion, we will continue performing our responsibilities more efficiently and effectively as protector of the people and vanguards of our nation’s territory,” Dellosa said.

Earlier, the President also promoted Maj. Gen. Lauro de la Cruz, chief of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), to lieutenant general as well as Air Force Col. Edgardo Rene Samonte and Col. Julius Ceasar Guillermo, to brigadier generals.