Changes in AFP bared

More changes in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership took place yesterday following the assumption of Gen. Diomedio Villanueva as chief of staff of the 113,000-strong Armed Forces last March 17.

Maj. Gen. Roy Cimatu, former commanding general of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, is now AFP deputy chief of staff, vice Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos who is now the Army chief.

Earlier, Cimatu was reported to have been considered as commander of the AFP’s Southern Command whose chief, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling, would become vice chief of staff.

Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim, current AFP vice chief of staff, is just awaiting orders from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to head the presidential anti-smuggling task force.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alfonso Dagudag, AFP deputy chief for operations, will head the 4th ID. Replacing Dagudag is Brig. Gen. Efren Abu, former chief of the Army’s Light Armor Brigade based in Tarlac.

Commodore Ariston de los Reyes, Navy vice commander, is now deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, replacing Maj. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo, who is being eyed as vice commander of the Air Force.

Taking the place of De los Reyes is Commodore Pastor Ramos, formerly of the Naval Construction Brigade.

Brig. Gen. Carlos Garcia, Army chief engineer, is now the deputy chief for comptrollership, replacing Maj. Gen. Jacinto Ligot, who is now chief of the Tanay-based 2nd Infantry Division. — Paolo Romero