Saturday, June 19, 2010

News update Ochoa will be acting military chief upon Bangit retirement

MANILA, Philippines - Acting Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa will be the next AFP Chief of Staff upon the early retirement of current chief Gen. Delfin Bangit.

With the policy of succession of command in the military, Ochoa will assume the position of and perform and execute the duties of AFP Chief of Staff upon the early retirement of Bangit on Tuesday.

He will assume as acting Chief of Staff until the new administration under president-elect Benigno Aquino III names his choice.

In case he is not retained by Aquino, Ochoa will serve as acting chief of staff for 8 days making him the AFP chief with the shortest tenure.

Ochoa himself admitted he maybe acting only as the caretaker of the top military post.

"We will act as a caretaker from the remaining days from 22 to 30 June 'no, until a permanent chief of staff is appointed July 1st," said Ochoa.

He said: "the Board of Generals met yesterday... recommending that I act as Chief of Staff."

In an interview, Ochoa said he is honored by the appointment which he said "will pave the way for smooth transition of the AFP [leadership]."

He said he is ready to serve and will seek guidance from his predecessor.

Ochoa was once an officer of the Presidential Security Group and is also a member of Philippine Military Academy class of 1977.

"Yes I was formerly assigned at the Presidential Security Group during the time of the late President Cory Aquino… I was the battalion commander of the Presidential Guards.”

On Thursday, Bangit filed for early retirement, which will take effect on June 22. With a report from Jay Ruiz