Guerrero extension sign of PRRD’s trust, confidence: AFP

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administers the oath of office of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Rey Guerrero during a ceremony in Malacañan Palace on December 6, 2017. (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero’s extension is a sign of President Rodrigo Duterte’s continued trust and confidence of the former’s leadership.

This was emphasized by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in statement Thursday.

“General Guerrero is profoundly grateful to the President for the latter’s continued trust and confidence in his capability to lead the AFP,” he added.

With this term extension, Arevalo said Guerrero will be given more time to implement important plans and programs of the AFP especially in this challenging time that the nation faces threats from foreign and local terrorists and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

“Further, the extension also gives General Guerrero the opportunity to fast track the upgrade of the AFP capability as it aspires to be a world-class Armed Forces that is a source of national pride,” he added.

The AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, took over from Gen. Eduardo Año, last October 26.

He is supposed to retire by December 17 when he turns 56, the mandatory retirement age. He will be extended until April 24 of next year as per Republic Act No. 8186.

Guerrero’s term extension was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 6.

“General Guerrero will lead the AFP in its celebration of the 82nd Anniversary with the Theme: ‘Protecting the people; securing the state.

‘ The event is scheduled on the third week of December,” Arevalo added.