Espino appointed AFP inspector general

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’79 has been named the military’s Inspector General, a post crucial in preventing corruption and other irregularities in the service.

Maj. Gen. Irineo Espino, former chief of the Army’s 7th Division based in Nueva Ecija, assumed the post of Inspector General in a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City yesterday.

The position of Inspector General was held previously in an acting capacity by Navy Capt. Crispin Mercado, who took over when Vice Adm. Mario Catacutan retired from the service last month.

An inspector-general conducts general periodic inspection in all major units to prevent corruption.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said Espino is qualified for the post.

“He (Espino) would serve as the conscience of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). He will make sure that everything would be conducted properly,” Burgos said.

“He has enough experience and he will assume as the AFP’s chief examiner at a time when we are implementing reforms,” he added.

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. said Espino, his classmate, would be handling an important position.

“I have always looked up to the Office of the Inspector General with high regard, knowing the importance and relevance of the office in the internal affairs of our organization. It has served as the ‘conscience,’ guiding and guarding us in our affairs,” he said. 

Espino was appointed commander of the 7th Division on Nov. 17, 2009. He was also the chief of staff of the Army and camp commander of the Camp Aguinaldo General Headquarters. 

Espino was a recipient of five Distinguished Service Stars and numerous military merit medals as well as various citations from civilian institutions.

Meanwhile, Col. Paulita Cruz, former chief nurse of the Army, has been named chief nurse of the AFP.

Cruz took the place of Col. Bernadette Centillo, who held the post in an acting capacity last month when Brig. Gen. Nelia Buenaflor retired from the service.

Cruz graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Aquinas University in Legaspi City, Albay.

She obtained her Master of Arts in Nursing major in administration from the Philippine College of Health Sciences.

Cruz also took post-graduate courses in Critical Nursing in the Philippine Heart Center and a nurse training coordinator’s course at the University of the Philippines in Manila.

She entered the military service in 1983 as general duty nurse and reliever.

Cruz is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Star Award, Military Civic Action Medal and the AFP Combat Badge Award.