REASSIGNMENT FOR AFP OVERSTAYING PERSONNEL

            Reassignment of more than 4,000 military personnel who have been overstaying in their respective posts shall be implemented upon order of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa. The move was intended to promote  professionalism and transparency in the military, as explained by AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr.

            Dellosa and Burgos said that they see it fit to further implement  the rotation of overstaying AFP personnel as an opportunity to practice military professionalism in the organization.

            The AFP spokesman said that the reassignment would be implemented in three phases, namely the identification of personnel due for rotation, implementation and completion of the rotation, and the evaluation phase. He however said that the rotation does not seek to hamper the operations of affected units or offices.

            “It is only imperative for any government organization to exercise all means in ensuring that sensitive positions, especially that of finance and logistics, are held by accountable, professional and skilled individuals. There is nothing anomalous if a soldier stays in his assignment for more than three years, however, overstaying in an assignment could hamper a soldier’s career,” Burgos said.

            Col. Burgos further said that more than 4,000 AFP personnel are overstaying in various positions in the General Headquarters and unified areas beyond the ideal period of three years will be the subject of the rotation. Among those affected by the move are more than 20 officers who have occupied finance and logistics posts for more than three years.

            It was reported that some of those officers have performed finance and logistics-related tasks for as long as seven years. It was confirmed from Dellosa recently of their reassignment and that this was intended to advance their careers.

            Burgos further said that the rotation would give priority to soldiers who have held their positions beyond ten years. Their pending reassignment  will be implemented in the second quarter of this year.

            “Some soldiers have stayed for more than three years in their post because of their commendable performance. Sometimes, the commanders want them retained in their posts,” Burgos concluded. # ANT