LT. Gen. Erickson Gloria, the commander of the military command supervising operations in the disputed West Philippine Sea, has been designated as the new No. 2 man of the Armed Forces.
Gloria assumed office as the AFP vice chief on Saturday, replacing Vice Adm. Gaudencio Collado who bowed out of the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Gloria was previously the commander of the military’s Western Command based in Puerto Princesa City. A tactical and rescue pilot, Gloria is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1988.
As Wescom chief, Gloria supervised all military operations in Palawan and in the West Philippine Sea where the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are disputing islands, islets and other features.
Before becoming Wescom chief last May, Gloria was the AFP’s No. 3 man as AFP deputy chief of staff.
He also previously served as AFP deputy chief of staff for personnel, commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, deputy commander of the Air Mobility Command and deputy commander of the Air Logistics Command.
The Armed Forces has yet to announce who will succeed Gloria as Wescom commander.
AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay, who presided over the turnover ceremony via virtual teleconference, said Gloria has his trust and confidence “in upholding the same exceptional standard of leadership and commitment to service.”
Collado was presented with the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of commander “for meritorious and exceptional service.”
