CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), honoring its first Commander, Brigadier General Eliglen F. Villaflor PA, and officially installing Brigadier General Rosendo C. Abad Jr. PA as the new JSOC Commander on December 12.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the ceremony held in AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo. He emphasized the importance of the leadership transition in consolidating JSOC’s foundation as a newly activated command established in May to institutionalize jointness and enhance the AFP’s operational readiness amid evolving security challenges.
Under BGen Villaflor’s leadership, JSOC which was formerly the Joint Special Operations Group, supported Internal Defense and Security Operations and contributed to both internal and external security efforts. From 2022 to 2025, the Command conducted 52 joint operations that led to the neutralization of high-value targets and the recovery of firearms, explosives, and critical equipment.
General Brawner commended BGen Villaflor for contributions to the AFP as he retires after decades of honorable service. “Covering JSOC’s foundational accomplishments and JSOC’s emerging contributions, you have been the cornerstone of this Command’s growth and success. In your stint, you have exemplified continuity, innovation, and dedication through this pivotal period,” he said.
The AFP Chief of Staff also welcomed BGen Abad, citing his extensive experience in special operations and leadership within the Special Forces. General Brawner expressed confidence that JSOC will continue to strengthen joint interoperability and advance the AFP’s defense and security posture under his command.///
Photos by SSg Ambay PA/PAOAFP
