PRESS RELEASE

Changing of the guards in the AFP 

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. announced today the approval by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the appointment of six (6) senior military officers to key positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the AFP Board of the Generals and the Secretary of National Defense.  

The appointment came with the impending retirement of AFP Chief of Staff Gen Hermogenes C Esperon, Jr. on May 12 and assumption of LtGen Alexander B Yano as incoming AFP Chief of Staff. 

Leading the newly appointed military officers is LtGen Cardozo M Luna who is appointed as incoming AFP Vice Chief of Staff to replace LtGen Antonio L Romero II who is set to go on vacation leave effective May 8 before his mandatory retirement on June 25, 2008. LtGen Luna is currently the Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCON). Among the significant positions he served are: Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations (G7) of the Phil. Army; Chief of the Defense Intelligence and Security Group; Brigade Commander covering Cotabato; Commanding General of the 4^th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army; and Commander of Central Command of the Visayas.  

LtGen Rodolfo F. Maclang is appointed as incoming The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP, vice LtGen Pedro Ike Inserto. LtGen Maclang is currently the Commander of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) He served as Commander of the 58^th Infantry Battalion; Chief of the AFP Joint Operations Center; Commander of the erstwhile Light Armor Brigade and now Light Armor Division; Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2), AFP; and Commanding General of 8^th Infantry Division and 5^th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.  

LtGen Victor S. Ibrado will replace LtGen Alexander B. Yano as Commanding General, Philippine Army. LtGen Ibrado currently serves as the Commander of Central Command (CENTCOM). He served as Commanding General of the 3^rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz; Brigade Commander in the Visayas; and Head of the Special Operations Command that is responsible for the readiness and sustainment of the Rangers, the Special Forces and the counter-terrorist Light Reaction Battalion.    

LtGen Pedro Ike I. Inserto will be the Commander of the Central Command (CENTCOM) vice LtGen. Victor S. Ibrado. LtGen Inserto is currently The Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFP. Among the significant positions he served are: Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of National Defense; Wing Commander of the 205^th Tactical Helicopter Wing; Commander of Tactical Operations Command, PAF; and Commander of Air Education Training Command.

 MGen Armando L. Cunanan is appointed as the incoming Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) replacing LtGen. Cardozo Luna. MGen Cunanan is currently the Commanding General of the 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. He served as Commanding Officer of 25^th Infantry Battalion; Commander of Army’s Civil Affairs Group; Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (G1), Philippine Army; and Commanding General 403^rd Brigade, Philippine Army.  

MGen Isagani C. Cachuela will serve as the Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) vice LtGen Rodolfo F. Maclang. MGen Cachuela is currently the Commanding General of the Light Armor Division, Philippine Army. He served as Commanding Officer of 61^st Infantry Battalion; Commandant of Cadets, Philippine Military Academy; Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (G1) and for Operations (G3) of Philippine Army. He was also the Commanding Officer of Army’s 602^nd Brigade.