THE camp of President-in-waiting Rodrigo Duterte has urged the Aquino administration to officially install the incoming administration’s top security managers even before the new president’s inauguration on June 30.
“The two generals ([the incoming chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and director general of the Philippine National Police] can assume in an acting capacity until President-elect Duterte is sworn into office,” said a retired general who is part of Duterte’s security team.
“The change of command is to give the new military and police chiefs time to prepare Duterte’s security during the oathtaking,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
He said that the turnover of commands to incoming AFP chief Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya and designated PNP director general Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa should be done at least a week before Duterte’s inauguration.
Visaya is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class 1983 while Dela Rosa belongs to PMA “Sandiwa” Class ’85.
Duterte’s camp has already named Colonel Rolando Bautista to head the Presidential Security Group. Bautista (PMA Class ’85) is current commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade and concurrent commander of the Joint Task Group Basilan.
Duterte has also named former military chief retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as national security adviser. Esperon served as chief of staff during the administration of detained former president and re-elected Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Meanwhile, after announcing that former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro declined the offer to become the his defense chief, Duterte said he is inclined now to appoint an ex-general to lead the Department of National Defense.
According to a source, Duterte has been scheduled to meet some ex-generals from the PMA “Malatarungan” Class 1978.