President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the promotion of Major Gen. Stephen Parreno, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), to Lieutenant General, which gave him his third star, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shuffled several key posts that affected 12 senior military officers.
Parreno, who assumed post last the PAF chief last month, donned his new rank during a ceremony presided by AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, Jan. 23.
Marcos signed the appointment of Parreno to the next higher rank effective Jan. 13 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11709 and in accordance with the recommendation of Centino, who also sits as the chairman of the AFP Board of Generals.
Aside from Parreno, Centino also pinned the rank to newly promoted Lt. Gen. Benedict M. Arevalo, commander of the Visayas Command; and Brig. Gen. Leodigario V. Macalintal, deputy officer of the AFP Inspector General.
Centino said the donning of rank ceremony is a time-honored tradition that celebrates and acknowledges the commitment, excellence, and leadership capabilities of those who advance in their military careers.
"It is also a profound reminder that our institution is dynamic, where the men and women behind it are constantly evolving towards attaining higher accomplishments and dedication year after year in their lifetime career of serving the people and country," he added.
Meanwhile, Parreno pinned PAF Wings to newly promoted Air Force personnel whose aeronautical ratings were upgraded in a separate ceremony at the PAF Gymnasium in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Promoted to two-star-rank were Major Generals Edgar M. Cardinoza, commander of AFP Health Service Command; Aristotle Gonzalez, wing commander of Air Education Training and Doctrine Command; and George A. Blanco, commander of Air Logistics Command.
Nine PAF colonels were also promoted to one-star rank or Brigadier General while a PAF reservist, Arthur Tugade, group commander of the 22nd Air Force Group Reserve, received his new rank of full Colonel.
Reshuffle
Meanwhile, Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony SD Reyes, AFP deputy chief of Staff, presided over the Change of Chief of Office ceremony involving 12 senior military officers who formally assumed their new designations at Camp Aguinaldo.
Maj. Gen. Alex S. Rillera relinquished his post as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) for Operations, J3, to his assistant, Brig. Gen. Glenn Jun C. Calambuhay.
Calambuhay will perform the role in an acting capacity while Rillera will assume as the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID).
Brig. Gen. Noel D. Beleran took over as the deputy chief of staff for Education, Training, and Doctrine, J8 from Brig. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg, who has been leading the unit in an acting capacity since Jan. 12. Reyeg's new post has yet to be announced.
Brig. Gen. Proceso S. Rebancos also assumed as the new AFP Chief Engineer, replacing Col. Celso G. Ressureccion Jr., who will continue to serve as his deputy.
On the other hand, Col. Erwin Victoriano A. Machica II took the helm of the Office of The Judge Advocate General, AFP from Col. Julius P. Agdeppa who has been serving as its acting chief. Agdeppa's new designation has yet to be disclosed.
Further, Col. Ma. Dolores M. Lim assumed as the AFP Chief Nurse to replace Col. Marilyn O. Tolentino, who was appointed in an acting capacity as the unit’s deputy chief.
Lastly, Col. Geoffrey M. Carandang was designated as the new AFP Secretary of the Joint Staff in place of Col. Wilfredo B. Manalang III. Manalang's new position has yet to be revealed.