Manila, Feb. 26 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday welcomed the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of 81 of its senior officers by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Now formally confirmed, these senior officers are better positioned to advance modernization initiatives, enhance joint interoperability, and effectively carry out the military's mandate to safeguard national sovereignty and protect the Filipino people, the AFP said.

Leading the list of AFP senior officers confirmed by the CA on Wednesday was Rear Admiral Andro Val Abayon, incumbent chief of the Presidential Security Command, it added.

The AFP said the Philippine Army comprised the largest contingent of the group, with 39 colonels receiving...