THE replacement of former Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte last October 25 as the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, has yet to be named.
Eastmincom Public Information Officer (PIO) major Ezra Balagtey told reporters on Wednesday, November 8, that they haven't yet received names of probable candidates.
He said that the commander of the 10th Infantry Division (ID), 4th ID and even the commander of the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) could be appointed to fill the vacant position.
He added that it is also possible that the next commander will come outside Eastmincom.
He, however, said that it would be better if the next commander comes here so he has already familiar the ropes as well as the security situation here. But if the commander will come outside Eastmincom, the commander would have to double time to learn the different facets.
Guerrero, Balgatey said, served as Eastmincom commander for two years where he led the declaration of almost all provinces as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development, crafting of Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan and intensified implementation to sustain peace in Eastern Mindanao.
Meanwhile, in the absence of a commander, Eastmincom deputy commander General Perfecto Rimando Jr. was designated as the acting commander.