CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a joint Change of Command and Change of Chief of Office ceremony today here, formally welcoming the new leadership of the Civil Relations Service, AFP (CRSAFP) and the AFP's Pension and Gratuity Management Center (AFPPGMC). The ceremony was presided over by LtGen Jimmy D Larida, the AFP’s Vice Chief of Staff.
The event welcomed BGen Oliver C Maquiling, who officially assumed command of CRSAFP, succeeding MGen Ramon P Zagala. Meanwhile, Captain Luidegar C Casis was appointed as the new Chief of AFPPGMC, taking over from Colonel Stephen L Cabanlet, who served in an acting capacity.
In his address, LtGen Larida commended the outgoing officials for their dedicated service and contributions to the AFP. He also recognized the incoming chiefs, emphasizing their leadership in driving the organization's continued success.
The ceremony underscored the AFP’s commitment to leadership excellence and service, ensuring that both CRSAFP and AFPPGMC remain steadfast in fulfilling their mandates in support of the AFP’s missions.
Photo by: SSg Manzano/ PAOAFP
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – General Romeo S Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), visited the Visayas Command (VISCOM) and the Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) at their respective headquarters in Camp Lapulapu and Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Cebu City, on March 29, 2025.
General Brawner was accompanied by LtGen Fernando M Reyeg, Commander of VISCOM, and Commodore Joselito E De Guzman, Commander of NAVFORCEN. General Brawner’s visit focused on assessing operational readiness, strengthening security coordination, and reinforcing the AFP’s strategic presence in the Visayas region.
During his visit, General Brawner engaged with senior officers and personnel to discuss key security initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability. He commended the dedication and professionalism of the troops, recognizing their crucial role in upholding national security and safeguarding communities.
The visit underscored the AFP’s commitment to enhancing joint operations and fostering inter-service collaboration, ensuring a capable, responsive, and mission-ready forces.
Photo by: SSg Ambay / PAOAFP
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr welcomed United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on March 28, at the AFP General Headquarters.
General Brawner was also present during Secretary Hegseth’s activities today including an engagement with Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.
During this high-level meeting, mutual concerns with crucial implications for advancing the Philippine military and defense capabilities were addressed.
Increased cooperation through joint exercises, technology transfers, and enhanced intelligence sharing is expected to bolster the AFP's overall defense efforts.
The visit underscores the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to peace and stability.///
Photos by: SSg Ambay PA/ PAOAFP
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the defense forces of Japan, and the United States recently concluded a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on March 28, 2025, further enhancing interoperability and strengthening defense ties among the three nations.
The Philippine contingent featured BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), AW 109 helicopter, C90 aircraft, and PAF Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
Japan deployed their multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) with a maritime helicopter SH-60K.
Meanwhile, the United States contributed their guided missile destroyer DDG Shoup (DDG-86), multi-mission naval helicopter MH60-R, and maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon to the joint activity.
The activity consisted of various exercises including Communications Check Exercise, Rotary Flight Operations, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) / Contact Reporting, Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Personnel Exchange and Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX).
These exercises aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of participating forces.
“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness. Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.///
