CA confirms AFP chief Nafarrete, Romero, others

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Thursday, August 13, confirmed the ad interim appointments and promotions of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, leading reservist advocate Michael Odylon “Mikee” Romero, and 36 other senior and flag officers of the country’s military organization.

Nafarrete, Romero and the 35 other officers got the nod of the bicameral appointments body, with Nafarrete becoming the 61st Chief of Staff with a four-star rank. 

He assumed command last July 21, succeeding Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Thad Rufino Candelario was also confirmed with a three-star rank.

Romero, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former 1-PACMAN party-list representative, whose ad interim appointment to Brigadier General in the PAF Reserve, was also confirmed along with 19 others.

Also a former amateur basketball godfather, Romero chairs the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. (ARRAPI), the group behind the efforts to strengthen the AFP reserve component and enhance the readiness, capabilities and participation of reservists in national defense, disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

Two other reservist leaders — Col. Vladimir Mata of the Marine Corps and Col. Floreto Solano of the PAP — were also confirmed. Mata is ARRAPI president and Solano the group’s treasurer.

Their appointments underscored the significant role being played by the reservist movement not only for the AFP but also for the country.

During his time as member of the Congress, Romero worked tirelessly for the AFP modernization, not to mention supporting major capability upgrades and the acquisition of modern defense assets. 

He was also instrumental in securing funding for the Philippine Air Force’s first three brand-new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, with deliveries to the Philippines set to begin this year.

Romero’s elevation to Brigadier General marks another milestone in a career that has combined his legislative advocacy and efforts to secure funding for AFP modernization with his continuing leadership in strengthening the country’s military reserve force.

The CA likewise confirmed eight officers to the rank of Colonel or Captain in the Philippine Navy, completing the batch of 37 senior AFP and flag officers. (Contributed story)