The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that Scout Ranger Capt. Jerome J. Jacoba, who lost his sight in a 2016 Maguindanao operation, is set to be promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to adaptive duties, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margaretth A. Padilla said Jacoba’s new role will maximize his experience.
“He is set to be promoted po to the rank of major, and he will also be designated to major adaptive duties that will utilize his 15 years of professional experience in operational competence,” Padilla stated.
She also confirmed that the AFP and the Department of National Defense have begun a full review of the Complete Disability Discharge (CDD) policy.
“Inumpisahan na po natin itong comprehensive review nito pong ating existing CDD policy po para po ma ensure natin na wala pong wounded or disabled (military personel) ang hindi po mabigyan ng tamang disposition lalo na po pag in-line with duty ang pagka-wounded nila,” she said.
Padilla clarified that Major Jacoba may still opt for early retirement if he chooses.
“Option po niya ‘yun sir, Kasi po pag ganitong mga instance, pwede na po kasi silang mag retire early on kasi po they will still receive the annuity of a pensioner with 20 years of service kahit hindi po nila nabuo ‘yun,” she explained.
Despite his disability, Jacoba can continue serving in meaningful roles within the AFP.
“May mga roles po siya na pwedeng gampanan, pwede po sya for training, leadership development, or pwede po siya maging instructor,” Padilla said. “Meron po syang (kinuhang) training on how to use a computer without being visually impaired, so may mga roles po sya na pwedeng gampanan.”
She also shared that AFP leadership personally visited Jacoba’s family.
“Kahapon po binisita po naming sila, na meet po naming yung wife nya and his three very beautiful children kasama po ang ating Chief of Staff," Padilla noted.
Reaffirming the AFP’s care for its wounded personnel, she added: “We really look out for the welfare ng ating wounded (military) lahat po ng same cases hindi lang po si Captain Jacoba, basta po may ganyan, nandiyan po ang ating mga military medical facilities to look after them.”
