New AFP chief assumes office Wednesday (1:44 p.m.)

MANILA—Retired General Victor Ibrado, former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, has formally turned over Wednesday the position to his successor General Defin Bangit.

Ibrado said Bangit is highly qualified to replace him.

"In my professional life, I have known General Bangit as a man of hard work, nationalism... Bangit comes with a requisite command in staff experience and education...," Ibrado said.

Bangit was appointed by the President on Monday following Ibrado's retirement. Before becoming the new AFP chief of staff, Bangit served as commanding general of the Army and head of the president's security group.

Bangit will take over the military leadership amid criticisms that his close ties with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would politicize the military. (Sunnex)