CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a Joint Change of Chiefs of Office Ceremony for Office of the Internal Auditor (OTIA), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (OJ4), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, Training and Doctrine (OJ8), and the AFP Pension and Gratuity Management Center (AFP PGMC) on Tuesday, April 20.
The ceremony held at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Country was attended and presided over by The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP Vice Admiral Erick A. Kagaoan.
“The Change of Chief of Office and Assumption of Office ceremonies not only symbolize the changing of the guards but also signify advancement and growth of military careers,” VAdm Kagaoan said.
Brigadier General Henry Doyaoen, the former Commander of the 503rd Brigade, 5ID, PA assumed as Chief, OTIA succeeding Major General Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro who is now designated as Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division. The said office is responsible for monitoring responsiveness and effectiveness of all AFP units and offices.
Commodore Antonio C. Palces is the newly posted DCS for Education, Training and Doctrine, J8. He is the Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao. Commodore Palces is also an accomplished skipper having commanded several naval ships such as the BRP Miguel Malvar, among others.
Commodore Palces took over the OJ8 position from Major General Rene S. Diaz who will now lead the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4. The OJ4 is primarily mandated to formulate responsive logistics plans and programs, and implement effective policies and procedures.
In his previous stint as J8, MGen Diaz steered the office to the successful publication and implementation of 34 Training Directives. Under his leadership, OJ8 became instrumental in the conduct of the AFP Joint Exercise “Dagat, Langit, at Lupa”.
He succeeded Rear Admiral Alberto B Carlos who has now taken command of the 5,000-strong Philippine Fleet. It has been through RAdm Carlos’ leadership that the OJ4 set the record for the highest formulated and updated policies within the AFP with 23 policies in total.
Finally, Brigadier General Larry B Mojica, the previous Assistant Division Commander of the 5th Infantry Division assumed as Chief, AFP PGMC. He will now lead the AFP PGMC in ensuring adequate and timely assistance to retired personnel as a rightful recompense for their long years of committed service and unparalleled dedication to the country.
Meanwhile, the event was also highlighted by the conferment of AFP Transformation Roadmap Institutionalization Pathway (AFPTRIP) Institutionalized Status to OJ4 and Proficient Status to OJ8.
The outgoing Chiefs of Office were acknowledged with awards and recognitions for their remarkable achievements during their tenure as heads of their respective offices. MGen Bacarro was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal while MGen Diaz received the Third Bronze Anahaw Leaf to the Distinguished Service Star (DSS). Moreover, the DSS with First Silver Anahaw Leaf was granted to RAdm Carlos.
VAdm Kagaoan assured all the honorees that the AFP leadership will always help them overcome challenges and achieve victories.
“May you all pursue and continue to promote the highest standards of excellence, professionalism and commitment to duty at all times. Remember that the AFP leadership is just here to support you anytime,” The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP stated.
He further encouraged military and civilian personnel of OTIA, OJ8, OJ4 and AFP PGMC to put their trust on their new chiefs and continuously work together for the fulfilment of their missions.
“I am certain that your shops will achieve much, through your hard work and teamwork. Always bear in mind that as much as the role of your chiefs of office is important, each one of you contributes to the overall success of our organization,” VAdm Kagaoan said. (PR)
