Eastmincom chief is new Army commander

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana confirmed yesterday the appointment of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. as his successor in the Philippine Army.

Sobejana said Faustino would be Army chief in an acting capacity as he has less than a year before he reaches the mandatory age of retirement of 56.

“By law, it should be one year,” Sobejana said.

Faustino’s successor at Eastmincom has yet to be appointed.

Sobejana said he believes Faustino “will do very well” as commander of the AFP’s biggest major service command.

He cited Faustino’s ”high level of expertise” in peace and security efforts.”

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988, Faustino was former commander of the 10th Infantry Division, 11th Intelligence Service Unit in Davao City and 35th Infantry Battalion based in Sulu.