Security tightened at Camp Aguinaldo for turnover rites

Security was tightened at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo for the change of command ceremony for the military's new chief of staff. Military security personnel at Camp Aguinaldo and presidential guards inspected vehicles and people entering the camp, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported Monday. But even before the start of the turnover ceremonies, newly appointed AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. received early applause from guests who were seated early at the AFP Grandstand. Among those present early at the venue were ranking police and military officials. Oban was to formally take command of the AFP from his predecessor Gen. Ricardo David Jr.

President Benigno Aquino III named Oban the new AFP chief of staff during the Philippine Military Academy graduation rites Sunday. The President is also going to preside over the turnover rites. On Sunday, Malacañang said Oban should not be belittled just because he came from a relatively smaller service in the AFP. Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said Oban has a very good career record and deserves a chance to prove his worth. "Alam naman natin na Air Force, ito [ay] one of the smaller services at usually ang Chief of Staff usually pinipili sa Army as pinakamalaking service. Pero siguro minsan bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mas maliit na service na magkaroon ng leader mula sa mga smaller services," Carandang said on government-run dzRB radio. (We know the Air Force is one of the smaller services and the AFP chief of staff is usually selected from the Army, which is the biggest among the AFP’s services. But we should give a leader from a smaller service a chance to prove himself.) Besides, he said Oban already assured he will continue with the reforms in the AFP under the Aquino administration. "I think no one will question Gen. Oban’s qualifications (and) we have been assured na ipagpapatuloy ni Gen. Oban ang reform sa AFP (and we have been assured Oban will continue the reforms in the AFP)," he added. Carandang said President Aquino already gave Oban marching orders to coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management to institute reforms in the military. He said there will be “continuity" of the AFP’s reform agenda under Oban’s watch. Carandang also downplayed claims that Oban may not have enough time to make a difference as he may be in his post for only nine months. Oban is due to reach retirement age on Dec. 13 this year. "Sa tingin ko rin alam ko rin eight to nine months din si gen Oban pero a determined chief of staff, with the support of the DND and Malacañang, I think can still move forward on the meaningful reforms in a span of eight to nine months (I think a determined Chief of Staff, with the backing of the Department of National Defense and Malacañang, can still make a difference in eight to nine months)," Carandang said. — RSJ, GMA News