CENTCOM has new commander

CEBU, Philippines - The Central Command-Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday named vice commander of the Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Edgar Abogado as its new commander.

Abogado was formally welcomed at the Centcom headquarters during a turnover ceremony yesterday morning in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.

Abogado replaces Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., Centcom officer-in-charge.

Mabanta remains as the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division in Panay Island.

He served in an acting capacity since Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano vacated the post in December after he was promoted.

Abogado was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1980.

“I will do my best and will continuously strive for the betterment of the region,” Abogado said in his speech.

Before being named as Centcom commander, Abogado served as PN’s chief of naval staff, deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet, and head of Assault Craft Force.

He also commanded the Navy vessels BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), BRP Bagong Silang (PG-104), BRP Bagong Lakas (PG-102), BRP Liberato Picar (PG-377), and BRP Filipino Flojo (PG-386).

For his part, Mabanta relinquished his post with joy as he recognized the efforts of the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees.

“As a leader, it gives us the privilege and the opportunity to lead, to make a difference, and inspire people to work for the betterment of our country,” he said.

The change of command was witnessed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, who will be retiring on January 17 in a scheduled turnover ceremony.

In a separate interview, Gazmin said they are now in the last phase in their capability upgrade.

Among the capabilities he mentioned were the arrival of reservist helicopters, two chopper helicopters from the United States, and other equipment. (FREEMAN)