CA confirms Guerrero as new AFP Chief

The appointment of General Rey Leonardo Guerrero as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff was formally confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday. (Photo: Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP/Facebook)

The appointment of General Rey Leonardo Guerrero as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff was formally confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday.

The confirmation of the new AFP Chief came quickly with CA members, considering his long years of experience in military and government service.

Guerrero’s confirmation came swiftly with CA members noting his long years of experience in military and government service. He is set to retire on December 17, however, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said that he will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the extension of Guerrero’s tenure.

The AFP Chief’s conformation came days prior to his mandatory retirement.

Apart from Guerrero’s appointment, the promotion of 40 military officers also got a nod from the bicameral body.

Prior to his appointment as the new AFP Chief, Guerrero, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Maharlika” Class of 1984, headed the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao.

In November, Guerrero was promoted to four-star general. He took over the top military post on October 26, and replaced General Eduardo Año who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. This happened a day after the Chief Executive penned his appointment papers.

Guerrero headed the AFP as the military gradually ended operation in Marawi City, which had been attacked by ISIS-inspired Maute group in May, and as prospects for peace negotiations with the leftist dimmed further.