Luna is new AFP intel chief

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MANILA – Joint Task Force – National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) chief, Brig. Gen. Alex DC Luna, on Friday was designated as the new Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, said the change-of-chief of office ceremony was presided by AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, at the General Headquarters Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The position was previously held by Maj. Gen. Greg Almerol who has been appointed as commander of the Tanay, Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division.

During his stint as JTF-NCR chief, Luna led troops in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response efforts while continuing counter-insurgency activities.

He was also assigned in Eastern Samar as commander of the 801st Brigade and co-chair of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee.

Luna’s expertise in the field of intelligence operations came from his experiences in the Army Intelligence Regiment, including his designation as Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence.

“I urge you to sustain the progress started by your predecessors and perform your tasks with utmost commitment and dedication. We trust in your abilities and we look forward to more accomplishments under your helmsmanship,” Kagaoan told Luna.

Meanwhile, Kagaoan also commended Almerol for his expertise, competency, and high sense of responsibility.

“During his stint, Maj. Gen. Almerol has broadened the security perspective of the AFP by enhancing the intelligence operations that address the nation’s stability against various threats despite the challenges brought by the pandemic,” he said.

Almerol is a member of the Philippine Military Class of 1989.

Enemy forces decreased by 2,234 members and supporters through 148 intelligence projects and 284 case operations that Almerol initiated as AFP intelligence chief.

“Let us all commit to fully understanding what we do and how we do it. Capitalize on our strengths and improve on our weaknesses as we continuously face the challenges ahead,” Kagaoan said.