Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Hernando DCA Iriberri will relinquish his post Friday, April 22, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
But as of Tuesday, the AFP has yet to receive information on who will succeed Iriberri as head of the 125,000-strong military organization.
“The AFP is well into its preparation for the retirement of the chief of staff, as to who will replace him we have no information on that yet,” said Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman.
This, as he stressed that while it is now less than three weeks before the May 9 elections, Iriberri will definitely step down on the day of his retirement.
Padilla said that on that on Friday, the AFP will render a testimonial parade for Iriberri to be followed by the change of command with President Aquino invited to grace the event.
“He has been doing his farewell visits for the past several weeks but even prior to this, a few months ago he has been visiting our troops and giving specific instructions on helping secure the peace and order situation in specific areas so that we can have an honest, peaceful credible election,” said Padilla.
Asked if there is already a recommendation for the next AFP chief, Padilla said that “if there is any replacement for the chief of staff, it can come from any officer with the rank of Colonel above.” (Elena L. Aben)