Advocates and Keepers of Overseas Filipino Workers (AKO-OFW) founding chairman, Dr. Celerino “Chie” Umandap is appointed major in the Philippine Air Force reserve.
AKO-OFW is a non-government organization of migrant workers in the Middle East. One of its advocacies is to promote respect for the rights of OFWs and their families, and to highlight their contributions to the Philippine and global economies.
Also confirmed in other ranks are Zamboanga Sibugay Second District representative Dulce Ann K. Hofer, who is appointed lieutenant colonel along with Wendel Avisado in the Philippine Air Force’s reserve. Ilagan City representative Frederick Siao and Romblon governor Jose Riano who are also appointed lieutenant colonels in the Philippine Army’s reserve force.
The appointments were stated in a letter signed Sept. 2, to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana from the Office of the President.
“I wish to inform you that, per endorsements from your department and in accordance with the recommendations of the former chief of staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, pursuant to Section 39 of the National Defense Act, as amended, and in conjunction with Section 44 of Republic Act No. 7077, the commission of the following five individuals in the Reserve Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines, with their respective ranks,” the letter states.