JTF-NCR head is new AFP intel chief

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday named Brigadier General Alex Luna as the new Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2).

In a simple change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Luna replaced Major General Greg Almerol who will now serve as the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division in Tanay, Rizal.

Prior to his new post, Luna served as the commander of the Joint Task Force – NCR (JTF-NCR), which played a role in the government's COVID-19 efforts.

Luna was also assigned in Eastern Samar as commander of the 801st Brigade and co-Chairman of E-CLIP Committee.

The AFP noted that his expertise in the field of intelligence operations came from his experiences in the Army Intelligence Regiment, including his designation as Army assistant chief of staff for intelligence, G2.

AFP deputy chief of staff Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, who presided over the change of command ceremony, called on Luna "to sustain the progress started by your predecessors and perform your tasks with utmost commitment and dedication."

"We trust in your abilities and we look forward to more accomplishments under your helmsmanship,” Kagaoan said. 

Kagaoan also lauded Almerol in his stint as chief for intelligence.

He said Almerol has broadened the security perspective of the AFP by enhancing the intelligence operations that address the nation's stability against various threats despite the pandemic. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News