Duterte OKs 3-star promotion of 2 AFP commanders

MANILA, Philippines — Two military area commanders, who both played major roles in the liberation of Marawi City, were given their third stars by President Duterte, the commander-in-chief.

Promoted to the rank of lieutenant general were Maj. Gen. Paul Atal, commander of the Cebu-based Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-Centcom) and Maj. Gen. Danilo Pamonag, chief of the Lucena City-based AFP Southern Luzon Command (AFP-Solcom).

 Atal’s and Pamonag’s former military units, the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division and the Army Special Operations Command (Socom) respectively, were among the military forces deployed in Marawi to fight the Islamic State (IS)-inspired foreign jihadists and the local Maute terrorists.

 Also promoted by the President to the rank of major general were former Brig. Generals Fernando Trinidad, AFP deputy chief of staff for Intelligence (J2); Rene Glen Paje, AFP deputy chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations (J7) and Jose Antonio Carlos Motril, chief of the AFP Human Rights Office.

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Headquarters Academic Group Head Col. Joseph Villanueva was also promoted to brigadier general.

Duterte approved the promotions of these senior officers last Dec. 18 but which were only released yesterday following the donning of ranks, presided by AFP chief of staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero at the Hall of Flags at Camp Aguinaldo.

 “The promotion to the next rank as general of these senior officers of the AFP is both a testimony and an inspiration that hard work and innumerable sacrifices, sterling competence and leadership skills acquired through years of experience are rewarded,” AFP spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.