The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has a new Human Rights Office (HRO) commander following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Raymundo Acorda.
Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac took over the post vacated by Acorda, which is faced with numerous challenges with the continuing threat of violence and terrorism in the country.
Acorda was honored in a joint Change of Chief Office and Retirement Ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Ramon Antonio Lim, the Deputy Chief of Staff, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Friday.
"As we continue to wage war against terrorism and violence, we are faced with challenges that threaten dignity, freedom, and rights for all," Lim said.
"Nevertheless, we are confident that with Col. Nacnac in command of the AFPHRO, we will remain steadfast in our mission to uphold, respect, and protect the basic rights of every citizen," he added.
Nacnac had been the Army Provost Marshal; Chief of Morale, Welfare, and Development, J1, AFP; and commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Matuguinao, Samar.
He graduated Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Cordilleras. Acorda held numerous positions in the military prior to his retirement.
Acorda served as the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to India; assistant chief of unified command staff for intelligence of the Central Command (CentCom); chief of staff of the Philippine Army Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG); and battalion commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division based in Lanao del Sur.
Under Acorda's leadership, Lim said the AFPHRO conducted various seminars, workshops, and discussions focused on inculcating human rights and role of engagement to uniformed personnel.
Lim added that the AFPHRO also initiated multisectoral dialogues for open and constructive discussions of laws and policies in pursuit of peace, development, and the protection of human rights.
"Your career has now come to an end, but your contributions left a significant impact on the AFP and the lives of the people you have worked with. They will remain valuable even for the years to come," Lim told Acorda.