The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) rendered a Testimonial Parade and Review in honor of eight generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Borromeo Field, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City on Saturday, November 7, 2026, according to a press release issued by the PMA Public Affairs Office.
The ceremony formally marked the nearing relinquishment of their current command designations and recognized their distinguished careers through the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award, also known as the Ulirang Alumnus ng Akademiya.
Eight Officers Honored at Borromeo Field
According to the PMA press release, the following generals and flag officers were feted during the ceremony:
- Lt. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., PA — Commander, Southern Luzon Command, AFP
- Rear Adm. Karl A. Decapia, PN — Commander, Education and Training Command, Philippine Navy
- Maj. Gen. Oliver C. Maquiling, PA — Commander, Education and Training Command, AFP
- Maj. Gen. William P. Peñafiel Jr., PA — Commander, Installation Management Command, Philippine Army
- Brig. Gen. Ted B. Dumosmog, PA — Commander, 303rd Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army
- Brig. Gen. Seigfred C. Tubalado, PA — Commander, 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
- Brig. Gen. Luisito F. Angeles Jr., PA — Acting Commander, Air Mobility Command, Philippine Air Force
- Brig. Gen. Emil J. Cruz, PA — Commander, 901st Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award Conferred on All Eight
Each of the eight honorees received the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award in recognition of their distinguished service across various fields and command designations, the PMA stated in its press release. The academy described their careers as "testimonies of their exceptional leadership and dedication that brought honor to the Academy."
Balaoro Addresses Cadet Corps at Yap Hall
Lt. Gen. Balaoro, the most senior among the honorees as Commander of the Southern Luzon Command, delivered a message to the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) at Yap Hall during the ceremony.
He underscored the weight of command responsibility that awaits the cadets upon commissioning.
"The day will come when you will no longer be the ones waiting for instructions. You will be the ones expected to give them. Your soldiers will look to your judgment. And in difficult situations, you may have to decide with limited information, under pressure, and with consequences that extend far beyond yourself."
— Lt. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., PA, Commander, Southern Luzon Command, AFP
Balaoro also spoke directly to the personal cost of military service, reminding cadets that advancing in rank carries sacrifices that extend to their families.
"As you get commissioned as officers and advance in rank, military service will demand sacrifices including that of your family. There will be assignments that take you away from home, occasions you cannot attend, and responsibilities that compete for your time."
— Lt. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., PA
Ceremony Marks Transition from Active Command
According to the academy's press release, the ceremony "formally marks the relinquishment of the duties and responsibilities of their current designations" and signals the nearing retirement of the honored officers.
The PMA further noted that the occasion "marks the start of a new chapter in their lives, allowing them to spend more uninterrupted time with their families, the moments they may not have enjoyed during their active service in the military."
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of OCPA, Philippine Military Academy