TACLOBAN CITY – After almost two years of serving the people of Eastern Visayas, Major General Glen Rabonza, commanding officer of the Army’s 8 th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar, would officially leave his post when he turns 56, the compulsory retirement age of those in the military, on January 12.

Yesterday, he already said goodbye and expressed his gratitude to public officials and other civilians who extended their full support to all of the community programs under his administration and to the media who were always instrumental in the success of their programs particularly in terms of public information dissemination.

Rabonza, in brief phone interview, told Leyte Samar Daily Express that with his retirement, another government service might be waiting for him at the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). But he emphasized that he is still waiting for the official appointment from his immediate superior at the Department of National Defense.

He said that he is not yet aware what is primary function would be at the NDCC. He explained to this appear that he would still be active in government service foe many years even after his compulsory retirement as military officer.

“I have nothing to say but thank you to the people in the region who supported my leadership. Alam n’yo namang lahat ay ginagawa namin sa mga programa ng AFP. We cannot do it alone; we always need everyone para lang maging successful tayo,” Rabonza said.

Rabonza would reportedly be replaced by Army General Jovito Palparan. Yesterday, it was reported that Palparan’s appointment has yet to be signed or confirmed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The turnover of command today would be presided by Lt. General Generoso Senga. While the appointment of Palparan is yet to be signed, the deputy, commanding officer of 8 th ID, General Bonifacio Ramos, would temporarily take the post vacated by Rabonza.

Palparan is currently holding the chief of the staff post of the Philippine Army general headquarters.

In another development, another turnover of command was held yesterday morning at the 34 th Infantry Battalion based in San Jorge, Samar.

The 34 th IB commanding officer Col. Romeo Gapuz, who served for almost three years, would be reaplced by Col. Wilson Leyva. Prior to his new assignment, Leyva was assigned at the Philippine Army general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Gapuz, on the other hand, would be assigned at the Central Command as general staff official, it was learned.