• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored Brig. Gen. Eliglen Villaflor, first commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), for his contribution to both internal and external security operations of the AFP for three years.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presided the change of command and retirement ceremony of the JSOC, honoring Villaflor, a Negrense, and officially installing Brig. Gen. Rosendo Abad Jr. as its new commander at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Dec. 12.
Under the leadership of Villaflor, JSOC which was formerly the Joint Special Operations Group, supported the AFP Internal Defense and Security Operations, by conducting 52 joint operations from 2022 to 2025, that led to the neutralization of high-value targets and the recovery of firearms, explosives, and critical equipment.
Villaflor, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1992, retired from the military service on Dec. 13, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57.
Abad previously served as commander of the Special Forces Regiment of the Philippine Army before he assumed command of the JSOC.
In his message, Brawner commended Villaflor for contributions to the AFP as he retires after decades of honorable service.
“Covering JSOC’s foundational accomplishments and JSOC’s emerging contributions, you have been the cornerstone of this Command’s growth and success. In your stint, you have exemplified continuity, innovation, and dedication through this pivotal period,” Brawner told Villaflor.
He also emphasized the importance of the leadership transition in consolidating JSOC’s foundation as a newly-activated command established in May to institutionalize jointness and enhance the AFP’s operational readiness amid evolving security challenges.
Brawner welcomed Abad as the new JSOC commander, citing his extensive experience in special operations and leadership within the Special Forces. | GB
