A minor reshuffle of key positions in the general headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) took effect yesterday with three senior officers taking new posts.
Maj. Gen. Romeo Calizo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979, relinquished his post as deputy chief of staff for operations (J3) to Brig. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo, of PMA Class of 1981.
Calizo’s new position was not announced but reliable sources said he was being groomed to become the commanding general of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (ID) based in Camarines Sur.
Prior to his appointment as J3, Anonuevo served as assistant division commander of the Army’s 2nd ID based in Tanay, Rizal; chief of staff of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) and operations chief of the Army’s Special Operations Command.
As J3, Anonuevo will oversee all major operations of the 125,000-strong military organization.
Also affected by the reshuffle was acting deputy chief of staff for reservist and retirees affairs or J9 Brig. Gen. Danilo Fabian who was replaced by Maj. Gen. Marlou Salazar, erstwhile internal auditor of the AFP.
On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Alejandro Estomo, former deputy commander of the Central Command, was appointed as new internal auditor.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa expressed optimism that the three senior officers would perform well in their new assignments.
“The trust vested in your capabilities also comes with high expectations, particularly on your integrity, dedication and initiative to make things happen for the AFP,” Dellosa said.
“We surely have come a long way in bringing about significant changes for a more professional and competent organization. I hope that you will follow the example of the previous holders of your new offices and continue the tradition of excellence in your every undertaking,” Dellosa added.
It was worth noting, however, that latest appointments did not include the commander of the Solcom, which was vacated July 16 due to the forced retirement of Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali; the top post at the
Army’s 9th ID which was last held by Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza; and the commandant of the Command and General Staff Colleges vacated by the retirement of Rear Admiral Victor Emmanuel Martir.
Martir and Gaverza retired from the active service last July 25, ahead of their 56th birthday, which is the mandatory retirement age in the AFP, to avoid attrition.