'Simpler' AFP change of command rites set

OUTGOING Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa will formally relinquish his authority to Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista on "simpler" change of command ceremonies set on Thursday.

Dellosa said he waived some "spectacular activities" in the Testimonial Review and Change of Command Ceremony "to show that the limelight of this event" belongs to the soldiers, civilian employees, and all the partner agencies of the AFP.

"Although the Testimonial Review has been a long held military tradition to pay homage to retiring military leaders for their selfless service to the AFP, this honor is still dedicated to the whole military organization and our soldiers who supported, trusted, and believed in my visions for the AFP," Dellosa said in a statement.

For tomorrow's event, the motorized contingent and sky diving exhibition were shelved along with the assets and capability demonstration, according to the military. And unlike in previous AFP Anniversary Celebration and Change of Command Ceremonies, cadets from the Philippine Military Academy and Officers Candidate School will not form part of the parading elements.

The highlight of Thursday's event will be the awarding of the Philippine Legion of Honor in the degree of Chief Commander to Dellosa for his "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service rendered" as AFP's Chief of Staff.

Dellosa held AFP's top post for more than a year after assuming office on December 12, 2011. He will be reaching his mandatory retirement age on Sunday, January 20.

On Tuesday, Malacañang announced the appointment of Bautista, currently the Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

Bautista, who had served as Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said he is "humbled" for his appointment as 44th AFP chief of staff.

"I can only repay this trust and confidence by devoting the remaining days of my career in the service to our people and the performance of the AFP's mandate," Bautista said in a statement.

Bautista is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy's "Dimalupig" Class of 1981. He completed his Masters in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)