MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. on Wednesday announced new changes in the military leadership.
Mr. Esperon noted that aside from the movements that will result from his retirement on May 12, several key military positions will also be open, including the National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) top post with the scheduled retirement of its commander Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa on June 2.
Key positions in the Light Armor Division and the 8th Infantry Division (ID) will be vacated.
Mr. Esperon presided over the assumption of former 2nd ID chief Maj. Delfin Bangit as the new chief of the Southern Luzon Command, replacing Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Obaniana who will relinquish his post ahead of his retirement on May 25. Mr. Bangit previously served as chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP and Presidential Security Group.
He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1978, which adopted the President as honorary member.
Mr. Esperon said Mr. Bangit