CA confirms appointment of Oban, 21 other military officers

(Updated 5:23 p.m.) The Commission on Appointments on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). "The CA gives its consent for the appointment of General Eduardo Oban Jr. to the grade of general of the AFP and as chief of the staff of the same," Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who also sits as chairman of bicameral panel. Later in the day, Oban, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, issued a short statement regarding his promotion. "It is indeed an honor to be promoted to the highest rank in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I consider this promotion as a blessing as I continue to lead the AFP towards the direction where the people expects us to tread as we fulfill our mandate to the nation," he said. "I shall stay focus with my commitment to gladly serve the 130,000-strong men and women of the AFP and work even harder to further reciprocate the trust and confidence bestowed in me by the President and commander in chief." he added. Oban assumed the top military post on March 7. Unless extended by the President, he will serve in such capacity for nine months as he is scheduled to retire on December 13. Meanwhile, the bicameral body also confirmed the ad interim of Alexander Pama to the grade of Vice Admiral and as flag officer of the Philippine Navy and 20 other senior military officers. Also approved were the appointments of:

Rear Admiral Nestor Losbanes

Major General Roberto Morales

Brigadier General Ernesto Aradanas

Brigadier General Fred Payawan

Brigadier General Wilfredo Ona

Brigadier General Jeffrey Delgado

Brigadier General (reserve) Eduardo Lacanienta

Commodore (reserve) Antonio Gascon

Army Colonel Arnel Dorado

Army Colonel Hilario Vicente Lagnanda

Navy Captain Ramil Roberto Enriquez

Marine Colonel Fernando Gomez

Colonel (Corps of Professors) Cheston Valencerina

Colonel (Medical Corps) Nelson Dancel

Colonel (Medical Corps) Marlon Cosue

Colonel (Medical Corps) Angelita Larin

Colonel (Medical Corps) Ramon Tan

Colonel (Veterinary Corps) Marjorie Filoteo, and

Colonel (Medical Corps) Edwin Leo Torrelavega. – VVP/RSJ, GMA News