The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday welcomed the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of 81 senior officers by the Commission on Appointments on 25 February.

Leading the list is Rear Admiral Andro Val P. Abayon PN, Commander of the Presidential Security Command.

The Philippine Army comprised the largest contingent of the group, with 39 Colonels receiving official confirmation. The Philippine Navy followed with 19 senior officers, including two Rear Admirals, one Commodore, and 16 Captains. The Philippine Marine Corps saw four officers confirmed, including one Brigadier General and three Colonels. Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force recorded nine confirmations, consisting of one Brigadier General and eight Colonels.

Completing the roster were 10 senior officers representing the AFP’s vital technical and administrative services. This specialized group includes two Colonels from the Medical Corps, one from the Medical Administrative Corps, and four from the Nurse Corps. Rounding out the support services are one Colonel from the Dental Service and two Colonels from the Chaplain Service.

With formally confirmed appointments, the AFP said “these officers are better positioned to advance modernization initiatives, enhance joint interoperability, and effectively carry out the AFP’s mandate to safeguard national sovereignty and protect the Filipino people.”