LINEAGE OF COMMANDERS
MAJ JOSE M CRISOL (INF) PA 03 Feb 51 - 17 Aug 69
BGEN GUILLERMO A PECACHE AFP 17 Aug 69 – 16 May 72
COL NOE S ANDAYA PA (GSC) 16 May 72 – 16 Apr 78
BGEN ALEXANDER L FELIX AFP 16 Apr 78 – 12 Mar 83
BGEN PACIFICO M LOPEZ DE LEON AFP 14 Mar 83 – 08 Mar 85
BGEN EDUARDO R ERMITA AFP 08 Mar 85 – 26 Feb 86
BGEN LUIS G SAN ANDRES AFP 26 Feb 86 – 30 Sep 86
BGEN HONESTO M ISLETA AFP 30 Sep 86 – 20 Apr 89
BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO AFP 20 Apr 89 – 04 Mar 90
CAPT JOHNNY S ANDAYA PN (GSC) 04 Mar 90 - 16 Apr 90
BGEN RAMBERTO B SAAVEDRA AFP 16 Apr 90 – 01 Feb 92
BGEN ROMEO A PADIERNOS AFP 01 Feb 92 – 16 Jul 93
BGEN RENE S DADO AFP 16 Jul 93 – 14 Apr 94
BGEN ANGELO T REYES AFP 14 Apr 94 – 03 Aug 95
BGEN VICTOR U GARCIA AFP 03 Aug 95 – 11 Sep 96
COL NESTOR C CASTILLO PA 11 Sep 96 – 21 Feb 00
COL JAIME L CANATOY PAF 21 Feb 00 – 15 May 01
BGEN EDILBERTO P ADAN AFP 15 May 01 – 16 Apr 02
COL JOSE A MENDOZA PAF 16 Apr 02 – 10 Jun 03
RADM EDGARDO M ISRAEL AFP 10 Jun 03 – 01 Oct 03
BGEN VICTOR N CORPUS AFP 01 Oct 03 – 15 Oct 04
BGEN ALEXANDER B YANO AFP 15 Oct 04 – 05 Feb 05
BGEN JOSE ANGEL A HONRADO AFP 05 Feb 05 – 24 Jan 06
BGEN JAIME B BUENAFLOR AFP 24 Jan 06 – 11 Aug 11
COMMO AMABLE B TOLENTINO AFP 11 Aug 11 – 04 Mar 07
BGEN NESTOR R SADIARIN AFP 04 Mar 07 – 12 Dec 08
BGEN GAUDENCIO S PANGILINAN AFP 12 Dec 08 – 13 Nov 09
BGEN FRANCISCO N CRUZ JR AFP 13 Nov 09 – 22 Jul 10
BGEN JOSE Z MABANTA JR AFP 22 Jul 10 – 04 Apr 11
BGEN EDUARDO D DEL ROSARIO AFP 04 Apr 11 – 21 Jan 12
BGEN ROLANDO B TENEFRANCIA AFP 01 Feb 12 – 11 Jan 13
BGEN ROLANDO G JUNGCO AFP 28 Jan 13 - 27 May 14
BGEN ROMEO G GAN AFP 27 May 2014-13 Feb 2015
BGEN JOSELITO E KAKILALA AFP 02 Feb 15 - 04 Apr 16
MGEN RHODERICK M PARAYNO AFP 04 Apr 16 - 01 Dec 16
MGEN RONNIE S EVANGELISTA AFP 01 Dec 16 - 14 Dec 17
MGEN BIENVENIDO R DATUIN JR AFP 14 Dec 17 - 06 Aug 19
BGEN EDGARD A AREVALO AFP 06 Aug 19 - 06 Nov 19 (Acting Commander)
MGEN ERNESTO C TORRES JR AFP 06 Nov 19 - Present
MAJ JOSE M CRISOL (INF) PA
03 Feb 51 - 17 Aug 69
(1917-1993)
World War II Fighter And Defense Official
The acknowledged expert on psychological warfare of his time, Jose M. Crisol was born to a working class couple in pandan, Catanduanes on November 15, 1917. His father, Avelino Crisol, worked as a highway inspector; his mother was, for a long time, a government clerk.
He obtained his higher education from the Mapua Institute of Technology and the University of the Philippines, and his military training from the Prestigious Philippine Military Academy. He was commissioned third lieutenant in the regular force of the Philippine Army on December 31, 1941.
During the Japanese Occupation, he was among the thousands who underwent the infamous Death March, at the end of which he suffered imprisonment in the concentration camp at Capas, Tarlac. He miraculously survived both ordeals.
Crisol served as a member of the Allied Intelligence Bureau and as battalion commander of the Bicol Guerrilla Brigade. For his gallantry in action in Bataan, he was decorated with the Gold Cross.
Upon the war’s end in 1945, he proceeded to the United States to further hone his military know-how at the Officers Training School in Fort Benning, Georgia. When he returned to the country, he served on the staff of the Philippine Ground Combat School and the Reserve Officers Service School, before joining that of his alma mater, the PMA.
In 1950, then Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay tapped him to lead the government’s anti-insurgency program aimed at breaking the Huk movement in Central Luzon through psychological warfare and civic action. He was designated chief of the civil affairs office of the Department of National Defense. For the success of the campaign, which resulted in the capture or surrender of Huk leaders, he was later awarded the Legion of Honor by President Magsaysay.
In 1953, Crisol resigned his regular commission in the Philippine Army to help Magsaysay in this presidential bid by serving as his political strategist.
His outstanding achievements in the field of intelligence as well as his personal sacrifices were rewarded in January 1954 when he was named director of the National Bureau of Investigation, the country’s premier intelligence body, and presidential adviser on national security. In a concurrent capacity, he served as government investigation coordinator and presidential performance officer.
In May 1954, he becomes the undersecretary of national defense-at 36, the youngest ever to be so named.
In 1957, under the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia, he was named acting secretary of defense. Eleven years later, he would serve in the government of President Ferdinand E. Marcos as presidential assistant on civil action, with the rank of undersecretary, as well as the President’s special personal representative in the Armed Forces’ civil action programs. In 1970, he was given the portfolio of undersecretary for home defense and, as such, directly supervised all AFP “home defense activities,” including the government’s campaign against the then newly formed New People’s Army.
Crisol also served as chairman of the Board of Liquidators; director of NASSCO; “back-pay” commissioner, chairman of the Leyte-Samar Development Coordinating Council; coordinator of the New Kabankalan Negrito Affairs, and member of the Board of Review for Motion Pictures. In June 1978, he was designated acting chairman of the National Police Commission. He was also made national adviser of the Philippine Veterans Legion. At the time he retired from government service, he held the rank of brigadier-general in the AFP’s reserved forces.
A much-decorated military officer, Crisol was the recipient of the Wounded Personnel Medal, Resistance Movement Medal, Philippine Defense Medal, American Defense Service Medal and Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem, Anti-Dissidence Campaign Ribbon, Jolo Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Purple Heart.
He was the author of several works, including The Red Lie, his most famous book; Men and Arms; Fundamentals of Village Defense; Marcos on the Armed Forces; The home Defense Officer in the Modernization Process; The Armed Forces in National Building; and Military Civil Action.
His life came to a tragic end on December 12, 1993 when he was killed at his home by disgruntled family employees.
He left behind his wife, the former, Carmen Borromeo, and their children.
(1917-1993)
World War II Fighter And Defense Official
The acknowledged expert on psychological warfare of his time, Jose M. Crisol was born to a working class couple in pandan, Catanduanes on November 15, 1917. His father, Avelino Crisol, worked as a highway inspector; his mother was, for a long time, a government clerk.
He obtained his higher education from the Mapua Institute of Technology and the University of the Philippines, and his military training from the Prestigious Philippine Military Academy. He was commissioned third lieutenant in the regular force of the Philippine Army on December 31, 1941.
During the Japanese Occupation, he was among the thousands who underwent the infamous Death March, at the end of which he suffered imprisonment in the concentration camp at Capas, Tarlac. He miraculously survived both ordeals.
Crisol served as a member of the Allied Intelligence Bureau and as battalion commander of the Bicol Guerrilla Brigade. For his gallantry in action in Bataan, he was decorated with the Gold Cross.
Upon the war’s end in 1945, he proceeded to the United States to further hone his military know-how at the Officers Training School in Fort Benning, Georgia. When he returned to the country, he served on the staff of the Philippine Ground Combat School and the Reserve Officers Service School, before joining that of his alma mater, the PMA.
In 1950, then Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay tapped him to lead the government’s anti-insurgency program aimed at breaking the Huk movement in Central Luzon through psychological warfare and civic action. He was designated chief of the civil affairs office of the Department of National Defense. For the success of the campaign, which resulted in the capture or surrender of Huk leaders, he was later awarded the Legion of Honor by President Magsaysay.
In 1953, Crisol resigned his regular commission in the Philippine Army to help Magsaysay in this presidential bid by serving as his political strategist.
His outstanding achievements in the field of intelligence as well as his personal sacrifices were rewarded in January 1954 when he was named director of the National Bureau of Investigation, the country’s premier intelligence body, and presidential adviser on national security. In a concurrent capacity, he served as government investigation coordinator and presidential performance officer.
In May 1954, he becomes the undersecretary of national defense-at 36, the youngest ever to be so named.
In 1957, under the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia, he was named acting secretary of defense. Eleven years later, he would serve in the government of President Ferdinand E. Marcos as presidential assistant on civil action, with the rank of undersecretary, as well as the President’s special personal representative in the Armed Forces’ civil action programs. In 1970, he was given the portfolio of undersecretary for home defense and, as such, directly supervised all AFP “home defense activities,” including the government’s campaign against the then newly formed New People’s Army.
Crisol also served as chairman of the Board of Liquidators; director of NASSCO; “back-pay” commissioner, chairman of the Leyte-Samar Development Coordinating Council; coordinator of the New Kabankalan Negrito Affairs, and member of the Board of Review for Motion Pictures. In June 1978, he was designated acting chairman of the National Police Commission. He was also made national adviser of the Philippine Veterans Legion. At the time he retired from government service, he held the rank of brigadier-general in the AFP’s reserved forces.
A much-decorated military officer, Crisol was the recipient of the Wounded Personnel Medal, Resistance Movement Medal, Philippine Defense Medal, American Defense Service Medal and Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem, Anti-Dissidence Campaign Ribbon, Jolo Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Purple Heart.
He was the author of several works, including The Red Lie, his most famous book; Men and Arms; Fundamentals of Village Defense; Marcos on the Armed Forces; The home Defense Officer in the Modernization Process; The Armed Forces in National Building; and Military Civil Action.
His life came to a tragic end on December 12, 1993 when he was killed at his home by disgruntled family employees.
He left behind his wife, the former, Carmen Borromeo, and their children.
BGEN GUILLERMO A PECACHE AFP
17 Aug 69 – 16 May 72
COL NOE S ANDAYA PA (GSC)
16 May 72 – 16 Apr 78
BGEN ALEXANDER L FELIX AFP
16 Apr 78 – 12 Mar 83
BGEN PACIFICO M LOPEZ DE LEON AFP
14 Mar 83 – 08 Mar 85
BGEN EDUARDO R ERMITA AFP
08 Mar 85 – 26 Feb 86
BGEN EDUARDO R ERMITA AFP (born July 13, 1935) took his Defense Resource Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, U.S.A. from 1978 to 1979; Command and General Staff Course, Fort Bonifacio in 1974; Unit Psychological Officers Course, Kennedy Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, U.S.A. from 1970 to 1971; Special Forces Course, Fort Magsaysay from 1962 to 1963; Counterintelligence Course, Special Intelligence School, Fort Boniofacio in 1962; Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S.A. in 1961; and Ranger School, Fort Benning, Georgia from 1960 to 1961.
He was the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the series of coup attempts from 1986 to 1988, Undersecretary of National Defense during the last major coup attempt in December 1989, head of the Special Information group during the EDSA People Power Revolution in February 1986, and president of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association from 1986 to 1988.
Ermita is married to Elvira Ramos from Dipolog City, with whom he has four children.
BGEN EDUARDO R ERMITA AFP (born July 13, 1935) took his Defense Resource Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, U.S.A. from 1978 to 1979; Command and General Staff Course, Fort Bonifacio in 1974; Unit Psychological Officers Course, Kennedy Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, U.S.A. from 1970 to 1971; Special Forces Course, Fort Magsaysay from 1962 to 1963; Counterintelligence Course, Special Intelligence School, Fort Boniofacio in 1962; Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S.A. in 1961; and Ranger School, Fort Benning, Georgia from 1960 to 1961.
He was the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the series of coup attempts from 1986 to 1988, Undersecretary of National Defense during the last major coup attempt in December 1989, head of the Special Information group during the EDSA People Power Revolution in February 1986, and president of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association from 1986 to 1988.
Ermita is married to Elvira Ramos from Dipolog City, with whom he has four children.
BGEN LUIS G SAN ANDRES AFP
26 Feb 86 – 30 Sep 86
BGEN HONESTO M ISLETA AFP
30 Sep 86 – 20 Apr 89
AS A soldier, retired brigadier general Honesto M. Isleta is remembered by his peers as a fearless psychological war expert with a soft heart, who was always the cynosure in any occasion because of his jokes and anecdotes to which he laughed the loudest.
Isleta died peacefully in his sleep last week after years of fighting a kidney problem. He was 83.
Isleta was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonfiacio, Taguig City on December 20 where he was given a hero’s burial as a soldier in rites attended by retired major general Ramon E. Montaño, retired former lieutenant general and former executive secretary Eduardo Ermita and former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Unknown to many, Nes was a member of the famed Philippine Civic Action Group in Vietnam during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969 and was the last Philcag man to be pull out of Vietnam.
It was in Vietnam where he poured his civic action expertise, together with other Philcag officers and men in alleviating the suffering of the Vietnamese, especially the civilians caught in the crossfire.
He maximized his experience in Vietnam when the Mindanao rebellion broke out in 1974 staged by the Moro National Liberation Front.
A psychological war expert, Nes was assigned to the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and helped in disseminating information to the media on what was going on in the AFP’s campaign in Mindanao against the MNLF.
During the peace talks initiated by the government in April 1977, Nes was assigned to give daily press briefing to members of media covering the negotiations.
This writer was one of the three Manila newsmen, who covered the localized peace talks with Alex Allan of Daily Express and Fred Sajot of Channel 13.
The mission of government peace talk negotiators was to go directly to MNLF areas in Mindanao, including Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where the talks were held.
We knew it was a dangerous mission, but the peace panel took the risk. We rode aboard a Philippine Navy ship in going to the islands and took the helicopter in our trips to various provinces in mainland Mindanao. The peace talks lasted one month.
The most dangerous peace talks the government peace negotiators undertook was in Tuburan, Basilan where MNLF forces under Gerry Salapuddin were based.
As our ship was steaming towards Basilan, Nes, who was then a colonel, announced that the MNLF rebels would only meet with the peace panel provided no security forces would be allowed to go ashore.
“We will comply with their request. We are going there without any security forces,” Nes said.
We rode on small boats going to the seashore as it was low tide at that time. When we reached the seashore, we saw men in fatigue uniform with high-powered firearms. We presumed they were advanced army soldiers, but we were shocked to learn that they were all MNLF rebels.
Members of the press were told to wait outside the conference room. After an hour of waiting, we heard shouting inside the conference room when an MNLF rebel, a classmate of Fred Sajot as the latter was from Basilan, told us to be alert and prepare for any contingency.
We looked around and we saw two 30 caliber machine guns positioned to the right and one at the left.
At that point, we could do nothing because we were virtually trapped on the island-province. I just prayed for our safety.
After a few minutes, there was complete silence inside the conference room and the negotiators from the government and MNLF came out smiling. We took a deep breath of relief.
Then Nes told us “Everything is alright” and we laughed when Nes said: “Were you scarfe?”
We went back to board our ship anchored 100 meters from the shoreline. As usual, Nes, a jolly fellow, started cracking jokes of the incident that had just happened.
A religious man he was, Nes will be remembered by veteran journalists as an officer and a gentleman with a big heart of kindness and humbleness. May his soul be in heaven.
AS A soldier, retired brigadier general Honesto M. Isleta is remembered by his peers as a fearless psychological war expert with a soft heart, who was always the cynosure in any occasion because of his jokes and anecdotes to which he laughed the loudest.
Isleta died peacefully in his sleep last week after years of fighting a kidney problem. He was 83.
Isleta was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonfiacio, Taguig City on December 20 where he was given a hero’s burial as a soldier in rites attended by retired major general Ramon E. Montaño, retired former lieutenant general and former executive secretary Eduardo Ermita and former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Unknown to many, Nes was a member of the famed Philippine Civic Action Group in Vietnam during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969 and was the last Philcag man to be pull out of Vietnam.
It was in Vietnam where he poured his civic action expertise, together with other Philcag officers and men in alleviating the suffering of the Vietnamese, especially the civilians caught in the crossfire.
He maximized his experience in Vietnam when the Mindanao rebellion broke out in 1974 staged by the Moro National Liberation Front.
A psychological war expert, Nes was assigned to the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and helped in disseminating information to the media on what was going on in the AFP’s campaign in Mindanao against the MNLF.
During the peace talks initiated by the government in April 1977, Nes was assigned to give daily press briefing to members of media covering the negotiations.
This writer was one of the three Manila newsmen, who covered the localized peace talks with Alex Allan of Daily Express and Fred Sajot of Channel 13.
The mission of government peace talk negotiators was to go directly to MNLF areas in Mindanao, including Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where the talks were held.
We knew it was a dangerous mission, but the peace panel took the risk. We rode aboard a Philippine Navy ship in going to the islands and took the helicopter in our trips to various provinces in mainland Mindanao. The peace talks lasted one month.
The most dangerous peace talks the government peace negotiators undertook was in Tuburan, Basilan where MNLF forces under Gerry Salapuddin were based.
As our ship was steaming towards Basilan, Nes, who was then a colonel, announced that the MNLF rebels would only meet with the peace panel provided no security forces would be allowed to go ashore.
“We will comply with their request. We are going there without any security forces,” Nes said.
We rode on small boats going to the seashore as it was low tide at that time. When we reached the seashore, we saw men in fatigue uniform with high-powered firearms. We presumed they were advanced army soldiers, but we were shocked to learn that they were all MNLF rebels.
Members of the press were told to wait outside the conference room. After an hour of waiting, we heard shouting inside the conference room when an MNLF rebel, a classmate of Fred Sajot as the latter was from Basilan, told us to be alert and prepare for any contingency.
We looked around and we saw two 30 caliber machine guns positioned to the right and one at the left.
At that point, we could do nothing because we were virtually trapped on the island-province. I just prayed for our safety.
After a few minutes, there was complete silence inside the conference room and the negotiators from the government and MNLF came out smiling. We took a deep breath of relief.
Then Nes told us “Everything is alright” and we laughed when Nes said: “Were you scarfe?”
We went back to board our ship anchored 100 meters from the shoreline. As usual, Nes, a jolly fellow, started cracking jokes of the incident that had just happened.
A religious man he was, Nes will be remembered by veteran journalists as an officer and a gentleman with a big heart of kindness and humbleness. May his soul be in heaven.
BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO AFP
20 Apr 89 – 04 Mar 90
Late Brigadier General Oscar M Florendo AFP, the 9th Commander, CRSAFP from 16 April 1989 – 04 March 1990.
General Florendo laid on the launching of the Awareness Program that was designed to win the hearts and minds of the people and to correct the misperception of the public about our men-in-uniform through the use of multi-media and communication networks.
BGen Florendo has placed premium on the transformation of soldiers into better citizens who are reverent to God, mission-oriented and committed in serving the nation.
Late Brigadier General Oscar M Florendo AFP, the 9th Commander, CRSAFP from 16 April 1989 – 04 March 1990.
General Florendo laid on the launching of the Awareness Program that was designed to win the hearts and minds of the people and to correct the misperception of the public about our men-in-uniform through the use of multi-media and communication networks.
BGen Florendo has placed premium on the transformation of soldiers into better citizens who are reverent to God, mission-oriented and committed in serving the nation.
CAPT JOHNNY S ANDAYA PN (GSC)
04 Mar 90 - 16 Apr 90
BGEN RAMBERTO B SAAVEDRA AFP
16 Apr 90 – 01 Feb 92
BGEN ROMEO A PADIERNOS AFP
01 Feb 92 – 16 Jul 93
BGEN. Romeo A. Padiernos, former Southern Command chief, died on July 26. He was 73.
Padiernos was a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1965. His career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines took off in Mindanao, where in 1973 he was part of government forces that fought the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
He rose to become Southcom commander, a post he held until retiring in 1998 after 38 years of military service.
He is survived by his wife Leticia, children Fidelis Rita, Citesa Divina, Romeo Jr., Dante Achilles and Aries Ismael, their spouses and grandchildren. His remains lie at Mortuary 2 of the Libingan ng mga Bayani, where he will be interred at 11 a.m. on July 31.
BGEN. Romeo A. Padiernos, former Southern Command chief, died on July 26. He was 73.
Padiernos was a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1965. His career in the Armed Forces of the Philippines took off in Mindanao, where in 1973 he was part of government forces that fought the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
He rose to become Southcom commander, a post he held until retiring in 1998 after 38 years of military service.
He is survived by his wife Leticia, children Fidelis Rita, Citesa Divina, Romeo Jr., Dante Achilles and Aries Ismael, their spouses and grandchildren. His remains lie at Mortuary 2 of the Libingan ng mga Bayani, where he will be interred at 11 a.m. on July 31.
BGEN RENE S DADO AFP
16 Jul 93 – 14 Apr 94
BGEN ANGELO T REYES AFP
14 Apr 94 – 03 Aug 95
Reyes spent most of his childhood in San Miguel, Manila. He completed his secondary education at the Cubao High School (now Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School) in 1960 where he graduated as the class valedictorian. In 1966, he was among the top ten graduates of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio. He then proceeded to acquire two master's degrees, namely: Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in 1973 and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1994. He also took up International Defense Management Course in Monterey, California in 1983. In 1987, he graduated No. 1 in Trust Operations Management Course conducted by the Trust Institutes Foundation of the Philippines at the Ateneo Business School which eventually earned him a scholarship to the Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
Angelo Reyes began his military career as a team leader in the Philippine Army's 1st Special Forces Airborne Regiment. He spent his field command duties as battalion commander, brigade commander, and area commander in Mindanao where he gained experience in addressing the threats from the communist insurgency and Muslim secessionism in the Philippines. He became the Commanding General of the Philippine Army which then propelled him to the top post of the Philippine military as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
As AFP Chief of Staff, he still worked towards the vision of a modern boy scouts of the Philippines. On January 19, 2001, the then-General Reyes withdrew support from President Joseph Estrada, leading to his ouster. Reyes held the following positions in the Philippine Army and in the top brass of Armed Forces of the Philippines, garnering various military medals and citations throughout his 39-year military career until he retired in 2001:
Team leader, Special Forces Group PA (Airborne);
Commanding officer (CO), 4th Infantry Battalion (PA), Zamboanga;
CO, 602nd Infantry Brigade (PA), Davao provinces;
Commanding General (CG), Civil Relations Service AFP;
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 AFP;
CG, 5th Infantry Division (PA), covering Northeastern Luzon;
CG, Southern Command AFP, covering the whole of Mindanao;
CG, PA; and
Chief of Staff, AFP
Reyes spent most of his childhood in San Miguel, Manila. He completed his secondary education at the Cubao High School (now Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School) in 1960 where he graduated as the class valedictorian. In 1966, he was among the top ten graduates of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio. He then proceeded to acquire two master's degrees, namely: Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in 1973 and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1994. He also took up International Defense Management Course in Monterey, California in 1983. In 1987, he graduated No. 1 in Trust Operations Management Course conducted by the Trust Institutes Foundation of the Philippines at the Ateneo Business School which eventually earned him a scholarship to the Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
Angelo Reyes began his military career as a team leader in the Philippine Army's 1st Special Forces Airborne Regiment. He spent his field command duties as battalion commander, brigade commander, and area commander in Mindanao where he gained experience in addressing the threats from the communist insurgency and Muslim secessionism in the Philippines. He became the Commanding General of the Philippine Army which then propelled him to the top post of the Philippine military as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
As AFP Chief of Staff, he still worked towards the vision of a modern boy scouts of the Philippines. On January 19, 2001, the then-General Reyes withdrew support from President Joseph Estrada, leading to his ouster. Reyes held the following positions in the Philippine Army and in the top brass of Armed Forces of the Philippines, garnering various military medals and citations throughout his 39-year military career until he retired in 2001:
Team leader, Special Forces Group PA (Airborne);
Commanding officer (CO), 4th Infantry Battalion (PA), Zamboanga;
CO, 602nd Infantry Brigade (PA), Davao provinces;
Commanding General (CG), Civil Relations Service AFP;
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 AFP;
CG, 5th Infantry Division (PA), covering Northeastern Luzon;
CG, Southern Command AFP, covering the whole of Mindanao;
CG, PA; and
Chief of Staff, AFP
BGEN VICTOR U GARCIA AFP
03 Aug 95 – 11 Sep 96
COL NESTOR C CASTILLO PA
11 Sep 96 – 21 Feb 00
BGEN JAIME L CANATOY PAF
21 Feb 00 – 15 May 01
Retired Philippine Air Force Brig. Gen. Jaime Canatoy, formerly the 17th Armed Forces Civil Relations Service commander.
Canatoy was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1971, whose more famous graduates include Sen. Panfilo Lacson and former senator Gregorio Honasan.
He retired from military service on November 1, 2003. His last post was at the Philippine Air Force’s Air Reserve Command.
Retired Philippine Air Force Brig. Gen. Jaime Canatoy, formerly the 17th Armed Forces Civil Relations Service commander.
Canatoy was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1971, whose more famous graduates include Sen. Panfilo Lacson and former senator Gregorio Honasan.
He retired from military service on November 1, 2003. His last post was at the Philippine Air Force’s Air Reserve Command.
BGEN EDILBERTO P ADAN AFP
15 May 01 – 16 Apr 02
Adan obtained his bachelor's degree from the Philippine Military Academy in 1972. He finished his MBA degree in 1979 from the Asian Institute of Management and took strategic level studies as an International Fellow of the US Army War College (Class of 1996) in Pennsylvania. He attended courses in Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, The George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies in Germany, and the Near East South Asia Center at the National Defense University in Washington D.C. He also studied conflict resolution at the U.S State Department, political warfare, and military operations in Australia. He has been a Fellow of the Institute for Corporate Directors since 2006.
Adan served key field and staff positions until his last assignment as the Commander of the Southern Command. Among the positions he held include: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2004 to 2005; Superintendent, Philippine Military Academy from 2002 to 2004; Chief of the Civil Relations Service and Spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2001 to 2002. His field assignments include brigade, battalion, and company command in Mindanao.
His last assignment while in the active service was Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Command.
Adan obtained his bachelor's degree from the Philippine Military Academy in 1972. He finished his MBA degree in 1979 from the Asian Institute of Management and took strategic level studies as an International Fellow of the US Army War College (Class of 1996) in Pennsylvania. He attended courses in Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, The George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies in Germany, and the Near East South Asia Center at the National Defense University in Washington D.C. He also studied conflict resolution at the U.S State Department, political warfare, and military operations in Australia. He has been a Fellow of the Institute for Corporate Directors since 2006.
Adan served key field and staff positions until his last assignment as the Commander of the Southern Command. Among the positions he held include: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2004 to 2005; Superintendent, Philippine Military Academy from 2002 to 2004; Chief of the Civil Relations Service and Spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2001 to 2002. His field assignments include brigade, battalion, and company command in Mindanao.
His last assignment while in the active service was Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Command.
COL JOSE A MENDOZA PAF
16 Apr 02 – 10 Jun 03
RADM EDGARDO M ISRAEL AFP
10 Jun 03 – 01 Oct 03
BGEN VICTOR N CORPUS AFP
01 Oct 03 – 15 Oct 04
Brigadier General Victor Navarro Corpus was born October 4, 1944 in San Pablo City, Laguna. His father was Col. Vicente Corpus of the AFP Medical Corps. He took his elementary and high school studies at De La Salle University, and then on his father's insistence, entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1963.
Corpus eventually graduated from PMA as part of the "Dimasupil" class of 1967. He entered the Philippine Army, where he received Airborne and Special Forces training. He later transferred to the Philippine Constabulary. Disgruntled by corruption in the armed forces, he opted for an asssignment as instructor at the PMA.
On 29 December 1970, Corpus formally defected to the New People's Army and led a raid on the PMA armory. Timing the raid when most cadets were out on Christmas vacation and the PMA's senior officers including its Superintendent, General Ugalde had left the camp to meet President Ferdinand Marcos upon his scheduled arrival in nearby Baguio City.
Corpus, who was PMA's designated officer of the day (OOD), guided the NPA raiding team which managed to escape with Browning Automatic Rifles, carbines, machineguns, and various other weapons and ammunition.
He is now best known for his 1970 defection from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the New People's Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines during the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos, for his defection from the NPA in 1976, his return to the AFP after the 1986 People Power Revolution, and his later role as chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General of the AFP in May 2003, and retired with that rank when he reached retirement age on October of 2004.
Brigadier General Victor Navarro Corpus was born October 4, 1944 in San Pablo City, Laguna. His father was Col. Vicente Corpus of the AFP Medical Corps. He took his elementary and high school studies at De La Salle University, and then on his father's insistence, entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1963.
Corpus eventually graduated from PMA as part of the "Dimasupil" class of 1967. He entered the Philippine Army, where he received Airborne and Special Forces training. He later transferred to the Philippine Constabulary. Disgruntled by corruption in the armed forces, he opted for an asssignment as instructor at the PMA.
On 29 December 1970, Corpus formally defected to the New People's Army and led a raid on the PMA armory. Timing the raid when most cadets were out on Christmas vacation and the PMA's senior officers including its Superintendent, General Ugalde had left the camp to meet President Ferdinand Marcos upon his scheduled arrival in nearby Baguio City.
Corpus, who was PMA's designated officer of the day (OOD), guided the NPA raiding team which managed to escape with Browning Automatic Rifles, carbines, machineguns, and various other weapons and ammunition.
He is now best known for his 1970 defection from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the New People's Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines during the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos, for his defection from the NPA in 1976, his return to the AFP after the 1986 People Power Revolution, and his later role as chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General of the AFP in May 2003, and retired with that rank when he reached retirement age on October of 2004.
BGEN ALEXANDER B YANO AFP
15 Oct 04 – 05 Feb 05
Alexander Badong Yano was the 22nd commander of Civil Relations Service and latter became the 38th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the highest position in the AFP hierarchy.[1] His Vice Chief of Staff was Lt. Gen. Cardozo M. Luna and his Deputy Chief of Staff was Lt. Gen. Rodrigo F. Maclang.[2] Alexander Yano also served as the commander of the Philippine Army and Southern Luzon Command. He is also the first general born from Mindanao.
Alexander Yano was born to the late Iñigo Yano and Gloria Badong, both retired public school teachers of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. He is married to the former Estela Aragon from La Union, a retired military nurse, and blessed with a son, Ervin Andrew. “Alex” or “Boy” as he is fondly called is the eldest in a brood of 5, which include Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache Brigadier General Cesar B. Yano, a diplomat in Washington D.C. and also a Philippine Military Academy Class 1980 graduate.
He graduated from the public elementary school of said town in 1965 as Salutatorian and later studied in high school in Saint Vincent’s College in Dipolog City and graduated with honors in 1969. He initially took up 3 years of Civil Engineering studies in Cebu Institute of Technology before taking the entrance examinations of the Philippine Military Academy. He entered the prestigious military institution in 1972 and graduated in 1976. As a PMA cadet, he excelled more in athletics and extra-curricular activities. Among others, he established two (2) PMA athletic records, in high jump and 400-meter low hurdles. The hurdles record remains unbroken up to this day. As a graduating cadet, he was also the Regimental Adjutant of the PMA Cadet Corps, a coveted position that aptly recognized his early leadership potentials.
He later on completed and topped in all his military trainings in the Philippines and abroad. Among these courses are the following: Special Forces Operations Course; Field Artillery Officers Course; Pre-Command Course for Battalion Commanders and the Command and General Staff Course. He also finished the Infantry Officers Advance Course in the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, and Georgia, United States and landed in the Commandant’s List as an Honor Graduate.
Upon graduation from PMA, Yano was commissioned and called to active duty with the Philippine Army. He spent his early years in the military service mostly in combat assignments in Northern and Central Luzon and the provinces of Samar during the height of the CPP/NPA rebellion in the 70s and 80s. Yano hugged the limelight when, as Task Force Zamboanga Chief, he acted as overall ground tactical commander during the infamous Cabatangan crisis in 2001 that led to the successful release of over a hundred civilian hostages and eventually liberated the Cabatangan Complex in Zamboanga City from over 300 fully armed MNLF Breakaway Group elements. This crucial battle earned him the moniker “Liberator of Cabatangan” from the late City Mayor – Maria Clara Lobregat.
After his duty tour in Zamboanga City, he was personally handpicked by then SOUTHCOM Chief Gen Roy Cimatu to command the 601st Army Brigade in SOCSARGEN at the height of terrorist bombings that rocked Gen Santos City in 2002. During his over two-year stint as Brigade Comdr, no single terrorist bombing occurred in General Santos City. He earned his 1st star-rank as Brigade Commander in 2003, the first in his PMA batch to become a General. He was also declared as “adopted son” of General Santos City in recognition of his invaluable contributions to that city.
He later served as Assistant Division Comdr of the 9th Infantry Division in Bicol and concurrently as Chairperson of the Government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities with the MILF for his proven competence and abilities especially in understanding the intricacies of the Mindanao conflict. He then, briefly served as Chief of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service and concurrent AFP Spokesperson where he ably articulated the AFP’s position on various defence and security issues. With Gen. Generoso Senga as then Army Chief, Yano was personally plucked from Camp Aguinaldo to assume as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army where he earned his Second Star (MAJ General) in April 2005, again, the 1st to earn said rank in his class.
As a testament to his exemplary achievements, he received various military awards, including: 4 Distinguished Service Stars; Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer); 4 Outstanding Achievement Medals; Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat; Bronze Cross Medal and 27 Military Merit Medals. He had also been twice awarded as “Most Outstanding Zamboanga del Norte Citizen” in 2003 and in 2005. He received the “Outstanding Alumnus Award” from St Vincent’s College in Dipolog City in December 2005. Likewise, he was conferred the “PMA Achievement Award” by PMA in Baguio in November 2005.[4]
The Commission on Appointments (CA) finally confirmed on June 11, 2008, en masse several top government officials, including Yano amid walk outs by Senators Jamby Madrigal and Panfilo Lacson.[5]
On May 1, 2009, he retired one-month earlier and he was succeeded by Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado of Philippine Army as the chief of staff. He's been appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as ambassador to Brunei Darrussalam. The reason for his early retirement is to prepare himself for the confirmation of his appointment by the Commission of Appointments by June 2009.
Alexander Badong Yano was the 22nd commander of Civil Relations Service and latter became the 38th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the highest position in the AFP hierarchy.[1] His Vice Chief of Staff was Lt. Gen. Cardozo M. Luna and his Deputy Chief of Staff was Lt. Gen. Rodrigo F. Maclang.[2] Alexander Yano also served as the commander of the Philippine Army and Southern Luzon Command. He is also the first general born from Mindanao.
Alexander Yano was born to the late Iñigo Yano and Gloria Badong, both retired public school teachers of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. He is married to the former Estela Aragon from La Union, a retired military nurse, and blessed with a son, Ervin Andrew. “Alex” or “Boy” as he is fondly called is the eldest in a brood of 5, which include Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache Brigadier General Cesar B. Yano, a diplomat in Washington D.C. and also a Philippine Military Academy Class 1980 graduate.
He graduated from the public elementary school of said town in 1965 as Salutatorian and later studied in high school in Saint Vincent’s College in Dipolog City and graduated with honors in 1969. He initially took up 3 years of Civil Engineering studies in Cebu Institute of Technology before taking the entrance examinations of the Philippine Military Academy. He entered the prestigious military institution in 1972 and graduated in 1976. As a PMA cadet, he excelled more in athletics and extra-curricular activities. Among others, he established two (2) PMA athletic records, in high jump and 400-meter low hurdles. The hurdles record remains unbroken up to this day. As a graduating cadet, he was also the Regimental Adjutant of the PMA Cadet Corps, a coveted position that aptly recognized his early leadership potentials.
He later on completed and topped in all his military trainings in the Philippines and abroad. Among these courses are the following: Special Forces Operations Course; Field Artillery Officers Course; Pre-Command Course for Battalion Commanders and the Command and General Staff Course. He also finished the Infantry Officers Advance Course in the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, and Georgia, United States and landed in the Commandant’s List as an Honor Graduate.
Upon graduation from PMA, Yano was commissioned and called to active duty with the Philippine Army. He spent his early years in the military service mostly in combat assignments in Northern and Central Luzon and the provinces of Samar during the height of the CPP/NPA rebellion in the 70s and 80s. Yano hugged the limelight when, as Task Force Zamboanga Chief, he acted as overall ground tactical commander during the infamous Cabatangan crisis in 2001 that led to the successful release of over a hundred civilian hostages and eventually liberated the Cabatangan Complex in Zamboanga City from over 300 fully armed MNLF Breakaway Group elements. This crucial battle earned him the moniker “Liberator of Cabatangan” from the late City Mayor – Maria Clara Lobregat.
After his duty tour in Zamboanga City, he was personally handpicked by then SOUTHCOM Chief Gen Roy Cimatu to command the 601st Army Brigade in SOCSARGEN at the height of terrorist bombings that rocked Gen Santos City in 2002. During his over two-year stint as Brigade Comdr, no single terrorist bombing occurred in General Santos City. He earned his 1st star-rank as Brigade Commander in 2003, the first in his PMA batch to become a General. He was also declared as “adopted son” of General Santos City in recognition of his invaluable contributions to that city.
He later served as Assistant Division Comdr of the 9th Infantry Division in Bicol and concurrently as Chairperson of the Government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities with the MILF for his proven competence and abilities especially in understanding the intricacies of the Mindanao conflict. He then, briefly served as Chief of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service and concurrent AFP Spokesperson where he ably articulated the AFP’s position on various defence and security issues. With Gen. Generoso Senga as then Army Chief, Yano was personally plucked from Camp Aguinaldo to assume as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army where he earned his Second Star (MAJ General) in April 2005, again, the 1st to earn said rank in his class.
As a testament to his exemplary achievements, he received various military awards, including: 4 Distinguished Service Stars; Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer); 4 Outstanding Achievement Medals; Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat; Bronze Cross Medal and 27 Military Merit Medals. He had also been twice awarded as “Most Outstanding Zamboanga del Norte Citizen” in 2003 and in 2005. He received the “Outstanding Alumnus Award” from St Vincent’s College in Dipolog City in December 2005. Likewise, he was conferred the “PMA Achievement Award” by PMA in Baguio in November 2005.[4]
The Commission on Appointments (CA) finally confirmed on June 11, 2008, en masse several top government officials, including Yano amid walk outs by Senators Jamby Madrigal and Panfilo Lacson.[5]
On May 1, 2009, he retired one-month earlier and he was succeeded by Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado of Philippine Army as the chief of staff. He's been appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as ambassador to Brunei Darrussalam. The reason for his early retirement is to prepare himself for the confirmation of his appointment by the Commission of Appointments by June 2009.
BGEN JOSE ANGEL A HONRADO AFP
05 Feb 05 – 24 Jan 06
BGEN JAIME B BUENAFLOR AFP
24 Jan 06 – 11 Aug 11
Brig. Gen. Jaime Buenaflor (PMA ’77) who was named AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations, an office which was recently revived after a year of disbandment. Buenaflor's post will go to Commodore Amable Tolentino (PMA '74) who is presently posted as the chief of the military's Office for Legislative Affairs.
Brig. Gen. Jaime Buenaflor (PMA ’77) who was named AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations, an office which was recently revived after a year of disbandment. Buenaflor's post will go to Commodore Amable Tolentino (PMA '74) who is presently posted as the chief of the military's Office for Legislative Affairs.
COMMO AMABLE B TOLENTINO AFP
11 Aug 11 – 04 Mar 07
BGEN NESTOR R SADIARIN AFP
04 Mar 07 – 12 Dec 08
He was the 26th commander of the Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines and was
born on 27 February 1956 to Dr. Ubaldo Sadiarin Sr. and Mrs. Josefina Reyno Sadiarin of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
He is married to Lieutenant Colonel Ligaya Martin Sadiarin (Ret) and they are blessed with three children: Dr.
Julius Nestor Sadiarin, medical resident in USA; Elizabeth Joy Sadiarin, a foreign service graduate; and
Frederick Nestor Sadiarin, a history junior.
He held a sterling record of assignments which include:
Platoon Leader Sulu, Basilan
Company Commander Sulu, Basilan
Battalion Operations Officer Sulu, Basilan
Project Manager Army Management Information Center
Intelligence Officer Presidential Security Command
Escort Officer Governor Marcos
Operations Officer Philippine Army, Counter-Terrorist
Brigade
Combat Arms Instructor Combat Arms School, Training
Command
Operations Officer 6th Infantry Division, Central Mindanao
Battalion Commander 24th Infantry Battalion, Cordilleras
Administrative Officer Office of the Chief of Staff AFP
Faculty Command and General Staff College
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence
Military Attaché Washington DC
Deputy Brigade Commander 802nd Brigade, Leyte Provinces
Brigade Commander 902nd Brigade, Camarines Provinces
He finished his elementary education at the Paoay Central Elementary School and graduated Valedictorian in
1968; his secondary education was obtained at the Ilocos Norte National High School in Laoag City, and
graduated in 1972; he spent one year in UP Diliman before he pursued his passion for soldiery at the Philippine
Military Academy in Baguio City where he graduated in 1977.
BGen Sadiarin believes that learning is a continuous process; hence, he underwent more military schoolings
here and abroad to further advance his military skills and acumen. This includes: Field Artillery Officers Advance
Course taken at United States Field Artillery School and Command General Staff Course at the German
Command and Staff College in Hamburg, Germany.
He is also attended and successfully completed the Executive Education on National & International Security:
Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, MA, USA 2008.
He was the 26th commander of the Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines and was
born on 27 February 1956 to Dr. Ubaldo Sadiarin Sr. and Mrs. Josefina Reyno Sadiarin of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
He is married to Lieutenant Colonel Ligaya Martin Sadiarin (Ret) and they are blessed with three children: Dr.
Julius Nestor Sadiarin, medical resident in USA; Elizabeth Joy Sadiarin, a foreign service graduate; and
Frederick Nestor Sadiarin, a history junior.
He held a sterling record of assignments which include:
Platoon Leader Sulu, Basilan
Company Commander Sulu, Basilan
Battalion Operations Officer Sulu, Basilan
Project Manager Army Management Information Center
Intelligence Officer Presidential Security Command
Escort Officer Governor Marcos
Operations Officer Philippine Army, Counter-Terrorist
Brigade
Combat Arms Instructor Combat Arms School, Training
Command
Operations Officer 6th Infantry Division, Central Mindanao
Battalion Commander 24th Infantry Battalion, Cordilleras
Administrative Officer Office of the Chief of Staff AFP
Faculty Command and General Staff College
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence
Military Attaché Washington DC
Deputy Brigade Commander 802nd Brigade, Leyte Provinces
Brigade Commander 902nd Brigade, Camarines Provinces
He finished his elementary education at the Paoay Central Elementary School and graduated Valedictorian in
1968; his secondary education was obtained at the Ilocos Norte National High School in Laoag City, and
graduated in 1972; he spent one year in UP Diliman before he pursued his passion for soldiery at the Philippine
Military Academy in Baguio City where he graduated in 1977.
BGen Sadiarin believes that learning is a continuous process; hence, he underwent more military schoolings
here and abroad to further advance his military skills and acumen. This includes: Field Artillery Officers Advance
Course taken at United States Field Artillery School and Command General Staff Course at the German
Command and Staff College in Hamburg, Germany.
He is also attended and successfully completed the Executive Education on National & International Security:
Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, MA, USA 2008.
BGEN GAUDENCIO S PANGILINAN AFP
12 Dec 08 – 13 Nov 09
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, Pangilinan is one of the respondents in the plunder complaint filed by former military finance officer George Rabusa. The last post Pangilinan held in the service was commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac. He retired on July 25 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 that day.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, Pangilinan is one of the respondents in the plunder complaint filed by former military finance officer George Rabusa. The last post Pangilinan held in the service was commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Northern Luzon Command based in Tarlac. He retired on July 25 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 that day.
BGEN FRANCISCO N CRUZ JR AFP
13 Nov 09 – 22 Jul 10
BGEN JOSE Z MABANTA JR AFP
22 Jul 10 – 04 Apr 11
Mabanta is the former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the AFP. Prior to this, he held the position of commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.
From 1992 to 1998, Mabanta served with distinction in Mindanao in various capacities, both as an intelligence and infantry officer. He was also the former AFP spokesperson.
Mabanta is the former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the AFP. Prior to this, he held the position of commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.
From 1992 to 1998, Mabanta served with distinction in Mindanao in various capacities, both as an intelligence and infantry officer. He was also the former AFP spokesperson.
BGEN EDUARDO D DEL ROSARIO AFP
04 Apr 11 – 21 Jan 12
BGEN EDUARDO DRUECO DEL ROSARIO AFP (born November 22, 1956) is a Philippine Army veteran and government official who currently serves as the first Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development of the Philippines, beginning January 2, 2020.[2] He previously served as Chairperson of the now-defunct Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council which was abolished and replaced by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development created through Republic Act No. 11201 on February 14, 2019. Del Rosario served 37 years in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, retiring as a major general in 2012. His service included tours as commander of the AFP Southern Luzon Command and of the 2nd Infantry Division.
Early life and education
Del Rosario is a native of Nueva Ecija, having been born in Talavera on November 22, 1956.[6] He went to Adamson University in Manila to take up a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from 1973 to 1975 before attending military college in Baguio.[7] Del Rosario graduated from the Philippine Military Academy as part of the Mapitagan Class of 1980.[5]
Del Rosario's professional military training includes: Scout Ranger Course and Basic Airborne Course where he ranked third out of 103 in 1980; Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Combat Arms School, TC, PA in 1989 where he topped his class; Field Artillery Officer Advance Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA in 1991; Pre-Command Course for Battalion Commanders at the CGSS, TRADOC, PA in 1995; Command and General Staff Course in CGSS, TRADOC, PA in 1999; and Counter Terrorism Course at Naval Postgraduate School, California, USA in 2003.[6]
Del Rosario earned a Master of Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University in 1994. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from Philippine Christian University (2012).[5] Del Rosario also completed his training for Public Corporate Governance at the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2017.
Military service
Del Rosario served in the Special Forces Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija from 1981 to 1989. In 1990, he was assigned with the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan, Samar as a battery commander of the 8th Field Artillery Battery. Between 1993 and 1994, he was in charge of the Philippine Army's Doctrine Development Center as its Commanding Officer. He remained in Fort Magsaysay and served as Assistant Chief of Staff of the 7th Infantry Division in 2000.[6]
Del Rosario then served as Batallion Commander of the 73rd Infantry Batallion of the 10th Infantry Division based in Davao City at the height of the CPP-NPA-NDF conflict in southern Mindanao in the early 2000s. In 2003, he took on the position of Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army's Civil Affairs Group.[6] He became commander of Task Force Davao in 2004 which initiated the revival of the Alsa Lumad, a counter-insurgency program from the 1980s and 1990s that mobilised the Lumad indigenous communities against the New People's Army during the term of then-Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte.[8] Del Rosario held this position until 2006. He then served briefly as commander of the AFP Joint Special Operations Group based in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City before returning to Samar as Commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade from 2007 to 2009 and as Assistant Division Commander in 2009.[6][4]
In 2009, then Brigadier General del Rosario returned to Davao City as commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and reactivated the recruitment of indigenous peoples into the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) with the aim of diminishing the strength of the Communist rebels operating in the city's Toril, Calinan, Marilog and Paquibato districts.[8] He earned the nickname "Datu Limbotong" ("Protector of Lumad's interest") and was baptized by the tribal chieftains of Davao.[6] B.Gen. del Rosario was also Internal Auditor of the Philippine Army and head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service when he was promoted by President Benigno Aquino III to the rank of Major General in 2011.[9]
M.Gen. del Rosario was reassigned briefly as General Officer-in-Charge of the AFP Southern Luzon Command based in Lucena in 2012. As SoLCom chief, del Rosario spearheaded the military mission Task Force Kalihim for the search and retrieval for the remains of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo who died in the 2012 Philippines Piper Seneca crash in Masbate in August 2012.[5] President Aquino awarded him the Bakas Parangal ng Kabayanihan for this mission.[7] His last military assignment was as commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal before his compulsory retirement in November 2012.
BGEN EDUARDO DRUECO DEL ROSARIO AFP (born November 22, 1956) is a Philippine Army veteran and government official who currently serves as the first Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development of the Philippines, beginning January 2, 2020.[2] He previously served as Chairperson of the now-defunct Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council which was abolished and replaced by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development created through Republic Act No. 11201 on February 14, 2019. Del Rosario served 37 years in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, retiring as a major general in 2012. His service included tours as commander of the AFP Southern Luzon Command and of the 2nd Infantry Division.
Early life and education
Del Rosario is a native of Nueva Ecija, having been born in Talavera on November 22, 1956.[6] He went to Adamson University in Manila to take up a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from 1973 to 1975 before attending military college in Baguio.[7] Del Rosario graduated from the Philippine Military Academy as part of the Mapitagan Class of 1980.[5]
Del Rosario's professional military training includes: Scout Ranger Course and Basic Airborne Course where he ranked third out of 103 in 1980; Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Combat Arms School, TC, PA in 1989 where he topped his class; Field Artillery Officer Advance Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA in 1991; Pre-Command Course for Battalion Commanders at the CGSS, TRADOC, PA in 1995; Command and General Staff Course in CGSS, TRADOC, PA in 1999; and Counter Terrorism Course at Naval Postgraduate School, California, USA in 2003.[6]
Del Rosario earned a Master of Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University in 1994. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from Philippine Christian University (2012).[5] Del Rosario also completed his training for Public Corporate Governance at the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2017.
Military service
Del Rosario served in the Special Forces Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija from 1981 to 1989. In 1990, he was assigned with the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan, Samar as a battery commander of the 8th Field Artillery Battery. Between 1993 and 1994, he was in charge of the Philippine Army's Doctrine Development Center as its Commanding Officer. He remained in Fort Magsaysay and served as Assistant Chief of Staff of the 7th Infantry Division in 2000.[6]
Del Rosario then served as Batallion Commander of the 73rd Infantry Batallion of the 10th Infantry Division based in Davao City at the height of the CPP-NPA-NDF conflict in southern Mindanao in the early 2000s. In 2003, he took on the position of Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army's Civil Affairs Group.[6] He became commander of Task Force Davao in 2004 which initiated the revival of the Alsa Lumad, a counter-insurgency program from the 1980s and 1990s that mobilised the Lumad indigenous communities against the New People's Army during the term of then-Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte.[8] Del Rosario held this position until 2006. He then served briefly as commander of the AFP Joint Special Operations Group based in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City before returning to Samar as Commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade from 2007 to 2009 and as Assistant Division Commander in 2009.[6][4]
In 2009, then Brigadier General del Rosario returned to Davao City as commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and reactivated the recruitment of indigenous peoples into the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) with the aim of diminishing the strength of the Communist rebels operating in the city's Toril, Calinan, Marilog and Paquibato districts.[8] He earned the nickname "Datu Limbotong" ("Protector of Lumad's interest") and was baptized by the tribal chieftains of Davao.[6] B.Gen. del Rosario was also Internal Auditor of the Philippine Army and head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service when he was promoted by President Benigno Aquino III to the rank of Major General in 2011.[9]
M.Gen. del Rosario was reassigned briefly as General Officer-in-Charge of the AFP Southern Luzon Command based in Lucena in 2012. As SoLCom chief, del Rosario spearheaded the military mission Task Force Kalihim for the search and retrieval for the remains of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo who died in the 2012 Philippines Piper Seneca crash in Masbate in August 2012.[5] President Aquino awarded him the Bakas Parangal ng Kabayanihan for this mission.[7] His last military assignment was as commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal before his compulsory retirement in November 2012.
BGEN ROLANDO B TENEFRANCIA AFP
01 Feb 12 – 11 Jan 13
BGEN ROLANDO G JUNGCO AFP
28 Jan 13 - 27 May 14
BGEN ROMEO G GAN AFP
27 May 2014-13 Feb 2015
Competent Leader
A competent leader, BGen Gan emphasized his work ethics through the current CRSAFP slogan: ROAR-CRS, which stands for: ‘’Relevant, Objective, Adept, Responsive, Committed, Reliable, Service-oriented’’.
During his stint as CRS Commander, the Command harnessed different capabilities in mitigating the effects of natural and manmade calamities such as the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda and the threat posed by Mayon Volcano in Albay.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, Gan actively supported projects in line with Disaster Preparedness and Awareness; Empowerment of our Indigenous People; and Children in Armed Conflict and Role of the Youth in Nation Building.
Prior to his designation as the Commander, CRS, he was the Assistant Division Commander of the 6th infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Siongco, Awang DOS, Maguindanao.
Competent Leader
A competent leader, BGen Gan emphasized his work ethics through the current CRSAFP slogan: ROAR-CRS, which stands for: ‘’Relevant, Objective, Adept, Responsive, Committed, Reliable, Service-oriented’’.
During his stint as CRS Commander, the Command harnessed different capabilities in mitigating the effects of natural and manmade calamities such as the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda and the threat posed by Mayon Volcano in Albay.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, Gan actively supported projects in line with Disaster Preparedness and Awareness; Empowerment of our Indigenous People; and Children in Armed Conflict and Role of the Youth in Nation Building.
Prior to his designation as the Commander, CRS, he was the Assistant Division Commander of the 6th infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Siongco, Awang DOS, Maguindanao.
BGEN JOSELITO E KAKILALA AFP
02 Feb 15 - 04 Apr 16
BGEN JOSELITO E KAKILALA AFP served as Spokesperson in the Philippine Army in 2003. He also earned valuable field experience as Commander of the 48th Infantry Battalion and 903rd Infantry Brigade.
Gen. Kakilala replaces Brig. Gen. Romeo Gan who assumed command of the 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal.
Brig. Gen. Kakilala earned a reputation characterized by successful stints in combat and administrative leadership and academic excellence. He had also previously served in the CRS as its chief-of-staff, providing him with the wealth of experience needed by a commander.
Kakilala’s outstanding military track record and upright service reputation were recognized not only in the military organization, but also in other government and civil society organizations, making him a credible choice for the CRS.
Prior to his present assignment as head of the AFP Strategic Studies and Strategy Management, Kakilala had extensive assignments as combat officer in Central Luzon and Bicol Region, where he led the 45th Infantry Battalion and the 903rd Infantry Brigade to become the Best Battalion in 2006 and Best Brigade in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
His anti-insurgency campaign in the Bicol Region as Commander of the 903rd IB resulted in the neutralization of top ranking NPAs of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
This is on top of his rich experiences as a young officer assigned in the hinterlands of Basilan, Surigao, and Agusan Provinces that honed his skills and expertise in tactical operations.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maharlika” Class of 1984, Kakilala has received numerous awards and recognition for his professionalism and commitment to public service.
He is a recipient of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in 2011 for upholding the highest moral standards, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
Kakilala also received the highly coveted Cavalier Award for Army Operations in 2009 from the PMA alumni association.
In 2008, Kakilala was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) by the Rotary Club of Makati Metro and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. In 2014, he also received the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service from the Metrobank Foundation, an award given to TOPS winners who have continued to stand out in their positions.
He is also a recipient of three Distinguished Service Stars; one Gold Cross Medal, which is the third highest award for bravery; four Bronze Cross Medals; several military merit medals; wounded personnel medal; and various awards and decorations.
One month prior to the day of his retirement, BGEN JOSELITO E. KAKILALA, turned over the leadership of the Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) to Acting Commander COL EDGARD A. AREVALO
BGEN JOSELITO E KAKILALA AFP served as Spokesperson in the Philippine Army in 2003. He also earned valuable field experience as Commander of the 48th Infantry Battalion and 903rd Infantry Brigade.
Gen. Kakilala replaces Brig. Gen. Romeo Gan who assumed command of the 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal.
Brig. Gen. Kakilala earned a reputation characterized by successful stints in combat and administrative leadership and academic excellence. He had also previously served in the CRS as its chief-of-staff, providing him with the wealth of experience needed by a commander.
Kakilala’s outstanding military track record and upright service reputation were recognized not only in the military organization, but also in other government and civil society organizations, making him a credible choice for the CRS.
Prior to his present assignment as head of the AFP Strategic Studies and Strategy Management, Kakilala had extensive assignments as combat officer in Central Luzon and Bicol Region, where he led the 45th Infantry Battalion and the 903rd Infantry Brigade to become the Best Battalion in 2006 and Best Brigade in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
His anti-insurgency campaign in the Bicol Region as Commander of the 903rd IB resulted in the neutralization of top ranking NPAs of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
This is on top of his rich experiences as a young officer assigned in the hinterlands of Basilan, Surigao, and Agusan Provinces that honed his skills and expertise in tactical operations.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maharlika” Class of 1984, Kakilala has received numerous awards and recognition for his professionalism and commitment to public service.
He is a recipient of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in 2011 for upholding the highest moral standards, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
Kakilala also received the highly coveted Cavalier Award for Army Operations in 2009 from the PMA alumni association.
In 2008, Kakilala was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) by the Rotary Club of Makati Metro and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. In 2014, he also received the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service from the Metrobank Foundation, an award given to TOPS winners who have continued to stand out in their positions.
He is also a recipient of three Distinguished Service Stars; one Gold Cross Medal, which is the third highest award for bravery; four Bronze Cross Medals; several military merit medals; wounded personnel medal; and various awards and decorations.
One month prior to the day of his retirement, BGEN JOSELITO E. KAKILALA, turned over the leadership of the Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) to Acting Commander COL EDGARD A. AREVALO
MGEN RHODERICK M PARAYNO AFP
04 Apr 16 - 01 Dec 16
MGEN RHODERICK M PARAYNO AFP is a Manileno, having been born in Paco, Manila. He was the Commander of the 201st Brigade under the 2nd Infantry Division prior to becoming the 35th Commander of Civil Relations Service.
His military career started at the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated in 1985 as the top 6 graduate out of 209 cadets. After graduation, he immediately took up the Scout Ranger Orientation Course. He is also a graduate of many other courses within the Armed Forces and they include: Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Intelligence Officers Course, Infantry Officer Advance Course and the Command and General Staff Course. Internationally, he took up a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies and the International Counter-terrorism Fellows Program at the National Defense University in the United States. He also attended workshops on International Rules Governing Military Operations at the Malaysian Armed Forces and Maritime Border Security and Operation Law of Malaysia and the Philippines at the US Defense Institute of International Legal Studies.
He spent the first seven years of his career serving in Mindanao where his field expertise was honed. When he was assigned in the National Capital Region, it was to serve in various capacities at this Command – the CRSAFP – for four years, where he started as the Chief of the Admin Branch of the Officer of the OCR2 back then, until being the Group Commander of the Media Affairs Group. He also became the Deputy G7 of the 7th Infantry Division. It was followed by various assignments in the NCR, Luzon and Mindanao until being posted as the 201st Brigade of the 2nd ID.
He is a recipient of many awards and decorations, highlighted by Silver Wing Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Gawad sa Kaunlaran and Distinguished Service Stars.
He is married to Mrs. Lorelei Parayno whom many of us know as Ma’am Tweetums, and they are blessed with four sons.
MGEN RHODERICK M PARAYNO AFP is a Manileno, having been born in Paco, Manila. He was the Commander of the 201st Brigade under the 2nd Infantry Division prior to becoming the 35th Commander of Civil Relations Service.
His military career started at the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated in 1985 as the top 6 graduate out of 209 cadets. After graduation, he immediately took up the Scout Ranger Orientation Course. He is also a graduate of many other courses within the Armed Forces and they include: Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Intelligence Officers Course, Infantry Officer Advance Course and the Command and General Staff Course. Internationally, he took up a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies and the International Counter-terrorism Fellows Program at the National Defense University in the United States. He also attended workshops on International Rules Governing Military Operations at the Malaysian Armed Forces and Maritime Border Security and Operation Law of Malaysia and the Philippines at the US Defense Institute of International Legal Studies.
He spent the first seven years of his career serving in Mindanao where his field expertise was honed. When he was assigned in the National Capital Region, it was to serve in various capacities at this Command – the CRSAFP – for four years, where he started as the Chief of the Admin Branch of the Officer of the OCR2 back then, until being the Group Commander of the Media Affairs Group. He also became the Deputy G7 of the 7th Infantry Division. It was followed by various assignments in the NCR, Luzon and Mindanao until being posted as the 201st Brigade of the 2nd ID.
He is a recipient of many awards and decorations, highlighted by Silver Wing Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Gawad sa Kaunlaran and Distinguished Service Stars.
He is married to Mrs. Lorelei Parayno whom many of us know as Ma’am Tweetums, and they are blessed with four sons.
MGEN RONNIE S EVANGELISTA AFP
01 Dec 16 - 14 Dec 17
MGEN RONNIE SEXON EVAGELISTA is the 36th Commander of Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines.
GEN EVAGELISTA was born on 23 May 1964 in Montalban,Rizal. He is a proud member of the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.
Prior to his current post, he was the Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command AFP. His other prior assignments includes Commander of the Special forces Regiment airborne SOCOM Philippine Army, Commanding General Officer of 6th Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment Airborne, SOCOM PA stationed in Bohol, Commanding Officer of Light Reaction Battalion, SOCOM PA; Commandant of Special Forces School Special Forces Regiment Airborne, SOCOM PA; Assistant Chief of Staff for Comptrollership National Capital Region Command GHQ, AFP; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, SOCOM PA.
Aside from his Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippine Military Academy, BGEN EVANGELISTA also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from National College of Business Administration. He also had undergone various schoolings both local and abroad. His Foreign courses include Joint Transition Course, Joint Professional Military Education Phase II both in National Defense University and Special Forces Qualifying Course, all in USA. He also finished Scout Ranger Course, Special Operation Course, Infantry officer Basic Course, Parachute Packing Maintenance and Air Delivery Course, Jump Master Course, Basic Military Scuba Diving Course and Command and General Staff Course.
Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and decorations including Distinguished Service Stars, Gawad sa kaunlaran Medals, Bronze Cross Medal an Numerous Merit and Commendation Medals.
He is happily married to Jeanny Tadena Evangelista and they are blessed with three sons, namely: Mark Kevin, Mark Dave and Mark Bill.
#SupportOurTroops
MGEN RONNIE SEXON EVAGELISTA is the 36th Commander of Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines.
GEN EVAGELISTA was born on 23 May 1964 in Montalban,Rizal. He is a proud member of the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.
Prior to his current post, he was the Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command AFP. His other prior assignments includes Commander of the Special forces Regiment airborne SOCOM Philippine Army, Commanding General Officer of 6th Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment Airborne, SOCOM PA stationed in Bohol, Commanding Officer of Light Reaction Battalion, SOCOM PA; Commandant of Special Forces School Special Forces Regiment Airborne, SOCOM PA; Assistant Chief of Staff for Comptrollership National Capital Region Command GHQ, AFP; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, SOCOM PA.
Aside from his Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippine Military Academy, BGEN EVANGELISTA also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from National College of Business Administration. He also had undergone various schoolings both local and abroad. His Foreign courses include Joint Transition Course, Joint Professional Military Education Phase II both in National Defense University and Special Forces Qualifying Course, all in USA. He also finished Scout Ranger Course, Special Operation Course, Infantry officer Basic Course, Parachute Packing Maintenance and Air Delivery Course, Jump Master Course, Basic Military Scuba Diving Course and Command and General Staff Course.
Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and decorations including Distinguished Service Stars, Gawad sa kaunlaran Medals, Bronze Cross Medal an Numerous Merit and Commendation Medals.
He is happily married to Jeanny Tadena Evangelista and they are blessed with three sons, namely: Mark Kevin, Mark Dave and Mark Bill.
#SupportOurTroops
MGEN BIENVENIDO R DATUIN JR AFP
14 Dec 17 - 06 Aug 19
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#AFPyoucanTRUST
BGEN EDGARD A AREVALO AFP
06 Aug 19 - 06 Nov 19 (Acting Commander)
BGEN EDGARD A AREVALO AFP previously held positions concurrent with his responsibilities as AFP spokesperson and this includes assistant deputy chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations (CMO), and as acting commander and deputy commander of the Civil Relations Service of the AFP.
He also held positions as commander of the CMO Group and spokesperson of the Philippine Navy, and was assigned at the PMA as military instructor for five years.
Arevalo is a member of PMA Class of 1990 and a decorated Marine, a Counselor-at-Law and Notary Public, author, educator, crisis communicator, and a dedicated CMO practitioner.
BGEN EDGARD A AREVALO AFP previously held positions concurrent with his responsibilities as AFP spokesperson and this includes assistant deputy chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations (CMO), and as acting commander and deputy commander of the Civil Relations Service of the AFP.
He also held positions as commander of the CMO Group and spokesperson of the Philippine Navy, and was assigned at the PMA as military instructor for five years.
Arevalo is a member of PMA Class of 1990 and a decorated Marine, a Counselor-at-Law and Notary Public, author, educator, crisis communicator, and a dedicated CMO practitioner.
MGEN ERNESTO C TORRES JR PA
06 Nov 19 - Present
MGEN ERNESTO CASTRO TORRES JR is the thirty ninth Commander of Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was the former Commander of the Joint Task Force Haribon, Eastern Mindanao Command covering Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal as its joint operational area. Concurrently, he is also the Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command. He was born on 26 January 1967 in Quezon City and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989.
A firm believer of the saying “Excellence is won by Training,” he took up various military trainings in the country and abroad. Locally, he completed the Basic Armor and Advance Armor Courses; he is likewise a graduate of Airborne at the Special Forces School; and Intelligence Course at the Special Intelligence Training School, where he consistently finished on top of his class. At the Royal Military College in Australia, he finished Training Developer Course, Training Analysis Course, Doctrine Development Training and Personnel Management Training. Moreover, he took his Command and General Staff Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA. For his civilian schooling, he obtained his Masters Degree in Mathematics at De La Salle University. He likewise earned his Masters Degree in Military Arts and Science at Fort Leavenworth, USA.
For his military career, he was designated to combat, staff and command positions in different units in Luzon and Mindanao, leading men from being a Platoon Leader to becoming a Brigade Commander, earning for himself both the Luzon and Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medals. He also had a stint as an instructor and tactical officer at the Philippine Military Academy during the mid-90s. His most recent positions of major responsibility include: Chief, Office of the Public Affairs and spokesperson for the Philippine Army, and subsequently for the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines; Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G2 of the Light Armor Division; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the 7th Infantry Division; Executive Assistant to the Commanding General of the Philippine Army; Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 of the Philippine Army; and, prior to his present position, he was the 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander. He assumed as the Joint Task Force Haribon Commander and as the Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command on 18 March 2019.
His three decades of military service has been devoted to serving the people and securing the land, which he carried out with utmost pride, competence and integrity. Thus, earning recognition and awards such as the Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Stars, Distinguished Service Medals, Meritorious Achievement Medals, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medals, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal, United Nations Medal, and numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals. He likewise earned an honorary Royal Thai Army Airborne Wings from the Thailand Army; and a number of recognitions from the civilian sector.
Apart from these accolades, he considers his family as his most prized possession. He is happily married to Evangeline Cuisia-Torres and is blessed with a daughter named Zoe Jeline and a son, named Manuel Jhudiel.
MGEN ERNESTO CASTRO TORRES JR is the thirty ninth Commander of Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was the former Commander of the Joint Task Force Haribon, Eastern Mindanao Command covering Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal as its joint operational area. Concurrently, he is also the Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command. He was born on 26 January 1967 in Quezon City and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989.
A firm believer of the saying “Excellence is won by Training,” he took up various military trainings in the country and abroad. Locally, he completed the Basic Armor and Advance Armor Courses; he is likewise a graduate of Airborne at the Special Forces School; and Intelligence Course at the Special Intelligence Training School, where he consistently finished on top of his class. At the Royal Military College in Australia, he finished Training Developer Course, Training Analysis Course, Doctrine Development Training and Personnel Management Training. Moreover, he took his Command and General Staff Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA. For his civilian schooling, he obtained his Masters Degree in Mathematics at De La Salle University. He likewise earned his Masters Degree in Military Arts and Science at Fort Leavenworth, USA.
For his military career, he was designated to combat, staff and command positions in different units in Luzon and Mindanao, leading men from being a Platoon Leader to becoming a Brigade Commander, earning for himself both the Luzon and Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medals. He also had a stint as an instructor and tactical officer at the Philippine Military Academy during the mid-90s. His most recent positions of major responsibility include: Chief, Office of the Public Affairs and spokesperson for the Philippine Army, and subsequently for the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines; Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G2 of the Light Armor Division; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the 7th Infantry Division; Executive Assistant to the Commanding General of the Philippine Army; Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 of the Philippine Army; and, prior to his present position, he was the 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander. He assumed as the Joint Task Force Haribon Commander and as the Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command on 18 March 2019.
His three decades of military service has been devoted to serving the people and securing the land, which he carried out with utmost pride, competence and integrity. Thus, earning recognition and awards such as the Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Stars, Distinguished Service Medals, Meritorious Achievement Medals, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medals, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal, United Nations Medal, and numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals. He likewise earned an honorary Royal Thai Army Airborne Wings from the Thailand Army; and a number of recognitions from the civilian sector.
Apart from these accolades, he considers his family as his most prized possession. He is happily married to Evangeline Cuisia-Torres and is blessed with a daughter named Zoe Jeline and a son, named Manuel Jhudiel.