Eight generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines received formal recognition at the Philippine Military Academy's Testimonial Parade and Review, held at Borromeo Field, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City last Saturday, November 7, 2026. The PMA Public Affairs Office announced the ceremony through an official press release.
According to the PMA Public Affairs Office, the parade formally signalled the approaching end of each honoree's current command designation and served as recognition of their careers through the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award, also referred to as the Ulirang Alumnus ng Akademiya.
The Eight Honored Officers
The PMA identified the following generals and flag officers as recipients of the honor 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 Given to All Eight
All eight officers received the Outstanding PMA Alumnus Award, the academy's press release stated. The PMA described their careers as "testimonies of their exceptional leadership and dedication that brought honor to the Academy," citing distinguished service across their respective command designations and fields.
Balaoro Speaks to Cadet Corps at Yap Hall
As the most senior among the eight honorees, Lt. Gen. Balaoro addressed the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines at Yap Hall during the ceremony. He spoke on the weight of command responsibility that cadets will carry upon receiving their commissions.
"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
Lt. Gen. Balaoro also touched on the personal sacrifices that accompany military advancement, noting the toll that service places on officers and 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
Parade Marks End of Active Command Duties
The PMA described the Testimonial Parade and Review as among the most significant occasions in a military officer's career. Its press release noted that the ceremony "formally marks the relinquishment of the duties and responsibilities of their current designations," indicating the honorees' impending retirement from active service.
The academy further stated that the event "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," according to the PMA press release.
Photo courtesy of OCPA, Philippine Military Academy.
Source: Philippine Military Academy Public Affairs Office