3 AFP generals assume new positions

MANILA, Philippines - Three military generals have been given new posts in the latest round of leadership change in the Armed Forces. 

Brig. Gen. Rodelio Santos, the former commander of the Maguindanao-based 603rd Infantry Brigade, has been named AFP deputy chief of staff for operations. He will oversee the implementation of the internal peace and security plan.

“Given the experience of Brig. Gen. Santos in his duty in the field, we are very confident that he can deliver what is expected of him in bringing his new office to greater heights,” AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal said in a statement.

Santos succeeded Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, who was named as the new chief of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division.

Baladad replaced Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay who led the unit in an acting capacity following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta. He vowed to continue the military’s peace and development efforts in Panay and Negros.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, the former senior military adviser of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, has assumed as chief of the 7th ID in Nueva Ecija, replacing Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, now the chief of the Northern Luzon Command.

Prior to his new designation, Iriberri was the commander of the 503rd IB based in Abra.