Rey now heads Northern Luzon Command

July 5, 2019

Major General Ramiro Rey assumed his post as the chief of the Northern Luzon Command in a ceremony in Tarlac City on Friday.

Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief, said the change of command ceremony led by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., at Camp Aquino.

Detoyato said during the ceremony Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat relinquished his post as chief of the Northern Luzon Command to Rey, who headed the AFP Special Operations Command that consolidates, oversees, and manages the AFP's elite units. 

"Known as the 'Warden of the North' by his friends in reference to a popular TV series, Lt. Gen. Salamat will bow out from military service after more than 38 years as a cadet and a Marine officer," he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced his plan to appoint Salamat to be the next administrator of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

In his speech, Madrigal said "under his helm, Lt. Gen. Salamat ensured that Team Nolcom remains unyielding in expanding peace and exemplifying the nation's ownership and determination in safeguarding our maritime and strategic interests, making sure that every island is accounted for."

He also emphasized the role of  Rey during the Marawi siege.

"Maj. Gen. Rey led the AFP's Special Forces in the campaign for Marawi City, the biggest urban battle in the country since World War II. His exemplary leadership played a crucial role in the defeat of the IS-inspired terrorists and paved the way for the liberation of Marawi City," he said.

Detoyato said Rey previously served as the Commander of Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and  eventually Task Force Ranao.

He continued the AFP's operations in Marawi City following its liberation from the IS-inspired Maute Group in 2017, said Madrigal. Robina Asido/DMS