http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2006/...ppine.army.htmlLIEUTENANT General Romeo Tolentino assumed command as the 48th commanding general of the 75,000-strong Philippine Army in formal rites held at Fort Andres Bonifacio last July 22.
Tolentino replaced Lieutenant General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. who was appointed as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In his inaugural speech, Tolentino vowed to follow the chain of command as he urged demanded the same from his men.
Known as "Mister Tree" in the AFP, Tolentino is popular for being active in the environmental protection and preservation.
As Army chief, Tolentino said he will continue with his environmental protection programs and will involve the entire Army in the said cause.
Other programs Tolentino plans to implement are the strengthening of squad, improvement of health services for soldiers and their dependents, Kalinga sa Kawal Housing, the AFP transient facility project and many other programs geared towards AFP reform and revitalization.
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Marangal Class '74, Tolentino was assigned in various command and staff positions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Among his previous positions were Riverine Battalion Special Forces Group (Airborne) commander; AFP Joint Operations Center chief; Joint Task Force Comet commander; Army's 7th Infantry Division commander; and chief of staff and vice commander of the Philippine Army.
Tolentino and Esperon are batch mates.
Military sources said Tolentino played a key role in thwarting the alleged February coup attempt.
Tolentino and 7th ID commander Lieutenant General Jovito Palparan reportedly cordoned off the camp of the Army First Scout Rangers in Bulacan to prevent disgruntled Rangers from joining Brigadier General Danilo Lim in withdrawing their support from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.