The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) paid tribute to LtGen Facundo O Palafox, Commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), in a joint Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony held on May 1, 2025, at Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City.
The ceremony, presided over by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., honored LtGen Palafox for his 38 years of dedicated and faithful service to the nation.
LtGen Palafox, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, has held numerous key positions in the Philippine Army and the AFP. Prior to his role as SOLCOM Commander, he led the Philippine Army's Armor "Pambato" Division. His previous assignments include Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, and Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management, major in Development and Security, from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Succeeding him in an acting capacity is Brigadier General Aldwine I Almase, his former assistant. BGen Almase is a member of the PMA “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992. He previously served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, AJ2, and as Chief of Staff of the 9th Infantry Division. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
The ceremony underscored the AFP’s dedication to effective leadership, professional excellence, and the seamless transition of command. It marked a leadership grounded in the enduring values of patriotism, loyalty, and service.
Photo by SSg Ambay/PAOAFP
