Military chief Visaya gets his fourth star

MANILA, Philippines (Philippine News Agency) — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya received his fourth star on Friday, making him the highest military official.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided at the donning ceremony held at the Department of National Defense Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.

Visaya, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983, was then accorded full military honors befitting his new rank in front of the AFP General Headquarters Building.

The ceremony was attended by all the joint, personal and special staff of the military led by Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, vice chief-of-staff, and Major Gen. Salvador Mison III, deputy chief-of-staff, and members of the enlisted corps and civilian employees of Camp Aguinaldo.

Visaya was appointed AFP chief last July 1 by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

On the same day, Visaya made his first official visit as a newly minted four-star general to the Philippine Air Force headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, along with the senior Air Force leadership, warmly received the AFP chief and his party.

During the visit, Visaya was awarded the PAF Honorary Aviator's Gold Wings, being the top honcho of the AFP.

The Air Force's officials also briefed Visaya on the command's current programs as well as issues and concerns it faces.

Visaya told the reminded Air Force to hone its state of readiness for disaster response in light of the persistent rains the country has been experiencing lately. — Priam F. Nepomuceno