The Philippine Army (PA) said Wednesday, August 17, that it has installed a top military spy as its new inspector general in a ceremony held at the PA Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Major Gen. Jose Eriel M. Niembra formally assumed post as the new PA inspector general in a Change of Office ceremony held on Tuesday, August 16.
Niembra replaced Col. Nazarito A. Floresa II, who served in an acting capacity.
Prior to the post, Niembra led the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) for more than two years or since 2020.
He also served as Presidential Security Group (PSG) deputy group commander and eventually as PSG commander from April 2018 to January 2020.
He likewise held key posts such as deputy commander of the Task Force Davao of the 10th Infantry Division; executive officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID); and battalion commander of the 58th Infantry Battalion, 4ID; and brigade commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Niembra holds a Master’s degree in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
As the Army’s inspector general, Niembra is mandated to provide complete oversight of the organizational performance of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army.
Maj. Gen. Camilo Z. Ligayo, PA vice commander, presided over the ceremony and said that the Office of the Inspector General (OTIG) "plays a key role" in facilitating the accomplishment of the organization's mission, operational readiness, security preparedness, morale and welfare of personnel, proper utilization of mission-essential resources, and ensuring institutional integrity.
"As you set out to fulfill your new role, I enjoin you to sustain the winning momentum of Team OTIG. Be assured that the Headquarters Philippine Army will continue to provide your office with the necessary support and mission-essential resources to further propel our organization in attaining operational and organizational feats," Ligayo told Niembra.