2 military generals get new posts

MANILA, Philippines - Two military officers have been named to key positions with the retirement of two generals who are members of the controversial Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1978.

Brig. Gen. Benito de Leon was named acting commandant of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Command and General Staff College, succeeding Rear Adm. Victor Martir who retired from the service on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad was designated acting commander of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division based in Camarines Sur. He succeeded Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza who bowed out of service yesterday.

Martir and Gaverza belong to PMA Class 1978, which adopted former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as honorary member.

Martir was former deputy chief for intelligence while Gaverza used to be the commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade.

De Leon and Baladad are members of PMA Class 1981 and 1982, respectively.

Both officers have been implicated in criminal offenses but the allegations against them have yet to be proven.

De Leon was among the military officers implicated in the large-scale corruption in the military.

Last January, the Department of Justice recommended the indictment of De Leon and other officers for plunder.

On the other hand, Baladad was among the military officers accused by the so-called “Morong 43” of torture and robbery.