BRIG. Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (J7), is being eyed to get an Army division command based in Mindanao.
Feliciano was also implicated in the abduction in 2007 of still missing activist Jonas Burgos, son of former Malaya publisher and officer-in-charge Ilocos Sur Gov. Jose Burgos.
A reliable source said Feliciano’s marching orders to lead the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City was already “up for signature” by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Last Wednesday, Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, also implicated in the Burgos case, was installed chief of staff of the Armed Forces.
The high tribunal eventually cleared Año and other officers. Año dismissed allegations by leftists and Burgos’ mother Editha, that he was involved in the abduction.
If Duterte signed his designation order, Feliciano would be replacing Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. who was reported to be promoted for a unified area command position.
Both Madrigal and Feliciano are classmates at the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class 1985.
Camp Aguinaldo insiders said Madrigal would be taking command of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) based in Zamboanga City as its current commander, Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, would be laterally transferred to an equally three-star position based at Camp Aguinaldo, the AFP Inspector General.
Dela Cruz is classmate of Ano, of PMA “Matikas” Class ’83.
The current AFP Inspector General, Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao (PMA “Maharlika” Class ’84), had earlier been designated commander of Central Command based in Cebu City.
The current commander of Centcom, Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, is set to lead the Western Command based in Puerto Princess City.
