New AFP anti-coup unit chief named

MANILA, Philippines –  A new commander of the military’s anti-coup unit based in Metro Manila was installed yesterday in line with a planned pre-Christmas revamp within the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Brig. Gen. Tristan Kison, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979, was named as commander of the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM). His previous post was as commander of the Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG).

The NCRCOM was created during the Arroyo administration to serve as the first line of defense against government destabilizers and coup plotters.

The anti-coup unit became controversial following the sacking of its former commander, Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, who is perceived by the Aquino administration as a close ally of the former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Angue is now facing a pre-trial investigation for being very vocal in questioning the motive behind his his relief.

Taking over Kison’s post as the Army’s HHSG commander is Brig. Gen Romeo Fajardo, who briefly served as acting NCRCOM vice commander now Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander, Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero.

Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, AFP Public Information Office chief, said President Aquino has also approved the designation of several other officers to key military assignments .

Brig. Gen. Romeo Calizo has been designated as chief of the AFP Commander Center, replacing Brig. Gen. Benito de Leon, who was reassigned as the chief of the AFP Management and Fiscal Office (MFO).

Brig. Gen. Honorato de los Reyes, former head of the MFO, was designated as the AFP deputy chief of staff for Personnel (J1) vice outgoing Rear Admiral Cornelio de la Cruz, who was given new assignment as the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training (J8).

Brig. Gen. Ernesto Aradanas, on the other hand, was designated as the chief of the AFP’s Office for Strategic and Special Studies. Aradanas replaces Brig. Gen. Raoul Reyes, who was reassigned as the AFP deputy Inspector General.

“This new wave of military appointments has been ushered to introduce leadership in key military units, including the NCRCOM, as approved by Malacañang,” Burgos said.