By Pearl Gumapos
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Friday (June 27) donned new ranks on four newly-promoted senior officers at the AFP General Headquarters.
The ceremony promoted Office of the Internal Auditor Chief Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen of the Philippine Army (PA) to the rank of major general.
Also promoted were AFP Real Estate Office Chief Brig. Gen. Augusto Gaite of the Philippine Air Force, Reservist and Retiree Affairs Assistant Deputy Chief Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Razalan of the PA, and JTF-Malampaya Commander Brig. Gen. Robert Velasco of the Philippine Navy (Marines).
Sobena told the newly-promoted officers, “Your promotions not only exemplify your personal achievements, but also signify the added responsibility and higher expectation to continuously uphold our mandate and perform excellently for the good of our country and people.”
The awarding of rank is a long-standing tradition in the military which signifies the readiness of military personnel to take on higher responsibility, and the confidence and trust of the organization in a deserving individual.
Sobejana urged the newly-promoted officers to use their new ranks as inspiration in the performance of their duties.
“May the responsibility that comes with this achievement not become a burden to you, but rather motivate and inspire you more to work even harder as senior trusted officers of the AFP,” he said.
The AFP chief congratulated the officers and told them his expectations moving forward.
“Continue to carry out your jobs with the highest standards of excellence and professionalism you have shown and demonstrated throughout your long military careers, and epitomize the core values of honor, service, and patriotism,” Sobejana said. – jlo