CA confirms Catapang, 51 other senior military officers

The Commission on Appointments  on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and 51 other senior military officers.

In recommending Catapang's appointment, Capiz Rep. Antonio del Rosario said with Catapang's "remarkable qualification, AFP will continue to gain ground in defending the nation, protecting the democracy and serving the Filipino people."

No one expressed opposition to Catapang's confirmation.

During the hearing of the CA committee on national defense, lawmakers commended Catapang for the successful escape of some 40 Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights.

Meanwhile, the CA also confirmed the appointments of the following military officers:

Lt. Gen. John Bonafos
Brig. Gen. Inocencio Mayangao
Brig. Gen. Angelito de Leon
Brig. Gen. Arnold Mancita
Brig. Gen. Irma Almoneda
Major Gen. Edwin Remotigue
Major Gen. Victor Bayani
Col. Pacianito Castillo
Col. Nolasco Mempin
Col. Joshua Santiago
Col. Virgilio Magaway
Col. Nestor De Ver
Capt. Carlito Lomboy
Capt. Zumeela Serrona
Col. Wilfredo Nakpil
Col. Noreto Sison
Col. Gerry Pulohanan
Col. Bernardo Odfina
Col. Ma. Victoria Juan
Col. Francis Cabugon
Col. Marlo Guloy
Col. Gregory Docil
Col. Andrew Castelo
Col. Glenn Cruz
Col. Roy Cabe
Col. Bebarlito Baribar
Col. Keymen Edao
Col. Eduardo Agcaoilo
Col. Edwin Buela
Col. Joselito Apin
Col. Christopher Florendo
Col. Facundo Palafox IV
Col. Francis Millare
Col. Leonidas Hidalgo
Col. Rosalio Pompa
Col. Leo Valdez
Col. Benjamin Pedralez
Col. Domingo Gobway
Col. Joel Alejandro  Nacnac
Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II
Col. Maning Tawantawanan
Col. Aguinaldo Ordonez
Col. Santiago Enginco
Col. Benito Doniego Jr
Col. Honorio Abenojar
Col. Teodoro Batilo
Col. Carlo Lagasca
Col. Leopoldo Castisimo
Col. Florante Falsis
Col. Moises Duque
Col. Jimmy Estolas.

The appointments of Almoneda and Lagasca were confirmed even though they were not present during the hearing.

Almoneda was on official mission while Lagasca was attending school in the United States. They both submitted waiver of appearance. —KBK, GMA News