TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Major General Fernyl Buca assumed as the 33rd Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).
 
He is the first officer from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to lead the unified command, replacing Lieutenant General Ernesto Torres Jr. who retired from the service. 
 
Buca vowed to lead NOLCOM in establishing a safe and secured environment against the threats in Northern and Central Luzon, and in protecting the different dimensions of the Philippine territory. 
 
He also cited that the command will ensure the joint training of its forces as an added key detail to its transformational roadmap. 
 
“NOLCOM shall be a jointly engaged, sustainment-maintained and readiness-trained force in preparation for the eventual transition to territorial or external defense operation as we totally put an end to our internal security challenges,” he said. 
 
As the new commander, Buca stressed that he will harness his experience, education and wisdom in a bid to deliver quality leadership and decisions in his area of responsibility. 
 
“As I come here to answer another call of duty, I assure you that I will respond to the new call as a professional and committed soldier. All together, we shall stay true to our command’s motto as the home of the Philippine Northern Beacon—a beacon of peace, strength and hope,” he noted. 
 
For his part, AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino expressed his confidence in the leadership of Buca to further enhance NOLCOM’s joint operations, and unit and personnel competencies.
 
“The AFP is confident that you possess the same leadership proficiency and sound judgment necessary for you to successfully lead the NOLCOM in accomplishing its mission. With that, I wish you all the best as you begin this new journey in your military career,” Centino stated. 
 
He likewise urged the officers, enlisted personnel and civil human resource of the command to exemplify professionalism and uphold meritocracy in fulfilling their duties. 
 
A member of Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, Buca previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4 of the AFP in charge of the overall logistics support to its units. 
 
He was also the former Air Force Inspector General in charge of ensuring the performance of the mission, state of morale and discipline, efficiency and effectiveness of PAF. 
 
Known as the “King Mentor” of the Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, he was responsible for honing the intelligence and skills of the future leaders of PAF. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)