AFP chief, 37 flag officers hurdle CA confirmation

MANILA, Philippines —  Newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete yesterday hurdled his confirmation before the Commission on Appointments.

The CA confirmed the appointment of Nafarrete and 37 other flag officers and generals.

Among those confirmed were former House members now part of the reserve force: former 1-Pacman party-list representative Mikee Romero as Air Force reserve brigadier general and former congresswoman and now Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Divina Grace Yu as Philippine Army reserve colonel.

During the CA national defense committee hearing, senators confronted Nafarrete about alleged human rights violations in military operations and the AFP’s modernization program, such as the use of drone technology.

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Imee Marcos asked Nafarrete about alleged rights violations in operations against alleged communist rebels in Toboso, Negros Occidental, which left 19 dead.

Nafarrete said the operations were “legitimate, well-planned and well-supervised.”

Asked about the drone technology by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Nafarrete said the AFP is underway in developing its drone capability.

Lacson assured Nafarrete that he will help the AFP in finding funding sources for their drone technology.