Retired Major General Delfin Lorenzana | |
|---|---|
 The 36th Defense Secretary | |
| Chairman of theBases Conversion and Development Authority | |
| In office July 7, 2022 – September 10, 2024 | |
| Appointed by | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Gregorio D. Garcia III |
| Succeeded by | Thompson Lantion |
| 26thSecretary of National Defense | |
| In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Preceded by | Voltaire Gazmin |
| Succeeded by | Jose Faustino Jr. (OIC) |
| Chairman of the National Task Force against COVID-19 | |
| In office March 16, 2020 – June 30, 2022 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | DND OIC Usec.Jose Faustino Jr. |
| Co-Chairman of theInter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases | |
| In office March 4, 2022 – June 30, 2022 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Preceded by | Karlo Nograles Roy Cimatu |
| Commander, AFP Special Operations Command | |
| In office 2001–2002 | |
| President | Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Dionisio Santiago |
| Succeeded by | Hermogenes Esperon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana (1948-10-28)October 28, 1948 (age 77) |
| Spouse | Editha Aguilar |
| Alma mater | Philippine Military Academy Ateneo de Manila University |
| Awards | Philippine Legion of Honor Legion of Merit Distinguished Service Star Gold Cross Feb. 86 Revolution Ribbon |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Philippines |
| Branch/service | Philippine Army |
| Years of service | 1973–2004 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands | Special Operations Command Presidential Security Group 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion Light Armored Brigade |
Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana,OLH,KGOR (born October 28, 1948) is a retiredPhilippine Armygeneral who served as Chairman of theBases Conversion and Development Authority from 2022 until September 2024.[1] He previously served asSecretary of National Defense in theCabinet of PresidentRodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2022.[2] He served in the Philippine Army from 1973 to 2004.
Lorenzana graduated from thePhilippine Military Academy as part of theMaagap Class of 1973.[3]
He also obtained a master's degree in Business Administration, Major in Operations Research from theAteneo Graduate School of Business; a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies from theAustralian National University inCanberra, Australia; and a Certificate in Business Economics from theUniversity of Asia and the Pacific.[4]
He completed various courses in the Philippines and abroad, which include Senior International Leaders Course atJohn F. Kennedy School of Government,Harvard University;[4] Crisis Management Course at theUS State Department, Washington DC; and VIP Security Operations conducted by BritishSpecial Air Service (SAS) Regiment.
As a military officer, he had completed several local and foreign training. These included courses in infantry, scout ranger, intelligence, and airborne, culminating into the command and general staff course. From abroad, he completed the Royal Marines Commando Course inUnited Kingdom, Infantry Officer Advanced Course inFort Benning,Georgia, USA; and the Instructor's Course inFort Gordon,Georgia, USA.
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As Platoon leader and Company Commander, Lorenzana led men in the Mindanao and Luzon Campaigns against Moro National Liberation Front secessionists and NPA insurgents, respectively. He also acted as staff officer of Army units up to Battalion level, and served as instructor at the Scout Ranger School and the Army Training Command (1985).
He also helped reorganize the Army Intelligence Unit after the EDSA Revolution.
As the Battalion Commander, Lorenzana was responsible for maintaining peace and order in Davao City outside the City Proper. He supported, strengthened, and led the people-based Alsa Masa Movement to clear Davao City of insurgents, sparrow units and other criminal groups, in coordination with the City Government under then newly elected Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the Davao City Metropolitan District Command under Lt Col Franco Calida (PC).
Lorenzana developed operational and training plans for PSG units and personnel, and for the development of security plans for Malacañang Palace, then President Corazon Aquino, her family and other VIPs.
He assisted the Presidential Assistant for Military Affairs (PAMA) by ensuring that communications from GHQ to the Palace and vice versa were properly handled, quickly transmitted, monitored and returned.
He gained national prominence after successfully defending Malacañang against rebel soldiers who attempted to overrun the palace in November to December 1989, by making sure that PSG troops were in constant readiness.
Lorenzana was responsible for monitoring the operations of all Armed Forces units and commands all over the country. He delivered daily summary and brief for the AFP Chief of Staff, and prepared staff studies on national security situation. He also monitored and ensured that major AFP assets such as ships, aircraft, guns and special units are in readiness at all times.
He also concurrently served as Commander of the AFP Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) Battalion, where he led the RDF Battalion in successful operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) insurgents in Camarines Sur and Southern Leyte.
Aside from making operations plans, troop deployment and Disaster Rescue Plans in SouthCom area encompassing the whole of Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Lorenzana supervised the successful operation against the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group based in their Al-Madinah Camp in Basilan in May 1993.
Taking charge of the morale and welfare of the Army, Lorenzana managed all aspects pertaining to PA personnel from recruitment to retirement such as records management, career management, assignment, schooling, promotions, health, family support, and sports and recreation. Among his notable accomplishments was the improvement of the personnel management database of the Philippine Army through computerization.
During this time, Lorenzana formulated operational plans, troop deployment plan and Disaster Rescue Plans for the entire island of Visayas. He successfully supervised and managed security operations in the area.
With four Infantry Battalions, a 155 Howitzer battery and one Light Armor Company under his command, the division was responsible for maintaining peace and order in South Cotabato, part of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Davao del Sur.
During this time, Lorenzana served as a member of the Government Peace Panel during talks with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from 1998 to 2001.
Their division captured the kidnap-for-ransom leader Tahir Alonto and his group in July 1999 and brought three hostages to safety. When Tahir Alonto's men attacked the General Santos Police prison in November 2000 to free their leader, Lorenzana's men succeeded in recovering more than 50 escapees.
With President Joseph Estrada's "all-out war" pronouncement against the MILF, Lorenzana's troops overran and captured three MILF camps during the AFP campaign from 1998 to 2000. They then maintained peace and order in their area of operation, enabling the local and national government to pursue development projects without interference from lawless elements.
During this time, Lorenzana oversaw the training and maintenance of Armor personnel and assets and ensured that Armor personnel and assets are properly deployed and utilized by supported units, and that Armor units are properly provisioned and supplied.
As concurrent Ground Commander of the Task Force Libra, Lorenzana's unit was deployed in Metro Manila to maintain a ready ground force to maintain stability. His forces secured former President Estrada while he was detained at the Veterans Medical Memorial Center and prevented pro-Erap forces from barging in the compound to free him. On May 1, 2001, with three battalions of troops and armor assets, the unit effectively prevented the overrun of Malacañang Palace by about 70,000 pro-Erap mob who were bent on unseating then newly installed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This dispersal operation was smoothly and peacefully accomplished, with only minor injuries to the operating troops and the pro-Erap mob.
Lorenzana was responsible for organizing, equipping, training and deploying Special Operations Command (SOCOM) forces all over the Philippines. During his stint at SOCOM, he led the conduct of the successful Balikatan 01-1 exercises involving United States Special Forces and AFP personnel in Mindanao. The exercise contributed to the recovery by SOCOM elements of the American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham from their Abu Sayyaf kidnappers in July 2002.
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As former head ofVeterans Affairs Office, Lorenzana developed and implemented the Philippine campaign to obtain veterans benefits for Filipino soldiers who served under theUnited States Army during World War II. He also coordinated closely with Philippine-based Filipino veterans on the lobby effort.
He also helped secure $0.5M annual grant-in-aid for theVeterans Memorial Medical Center 2003-2015 that totaled $12M+ over twelve years, and worked for the unification of Filipino-American efforts in support of the World War II (WW2) Filipino veterans equity lobby in the United States. This unified effort was instrumental in the passage of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund with an appropriation of $198M on February 17, 2009. An additional $67M was appropriated in 2010 for a total of $265M that awarded $9K/$15K for each qualified surviving Filipino WW2 veteran (naturalized US Citizens/Filipinos).[5]
Notably, Lorenzana also lobbied for the Parole Program for children of Filipino WW2 veterans to join their parents in the United States.[6] This was signed thru Executive Order by US President Obama in July 2015 and is now being implemented by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
His last posting as a military officer was as defense attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., US, where he retired in 2004 with the rank of major general.
As Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, he oversaw and monitored the military bilateral relations between theRepublic of the Philippines and theUnited States on theVisiting Forces Agreement, military exercises, military aid, military training and foreign military sales. He also monitored and supported theArmed Forces of the Philippines personnel on schooling in the United States.
Lorenzana also helped develop the Terms of Reference for the highly successful Balikatan 02-2 Exercises between the AFP and the US Pacific Command in Basilan Philippines in 2002, to support military operations aimed to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Southern Philippines.
Likewise, he assisted the Philippine Ambassador to the United States in obtaining military assistance from the US namely: Foreign military sales amounting close to $100M, military training and exercises amounting to $9M, and the grant-in-aid of 20 Huey helicopters and 1 Cyclone Special Operations ship.
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After Rodrigo Duterte won the2016 presidential election, Lorenzana was named as the incomingSecretary of National Defense.[7] He took office on the same day as Duterte, June 30, on anad interim basis. In an interview withReuters, he announced that crushingAbu Sayyaf, supporting thewar against drugs, and enforcing sovereignty in theSouth China Sea will be his priorities.[8] However, in August, Duterte offered the position of defense secretary toGilbert Teodoro, who served in that position under PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo. He then offered Lorenzana to become ambassador to the United States. Both men declined their respective offers, thus Lorenzana stayed as defense secretary.[9] His appointment was then confirmed by the bicameral Commission on Appointments on October 19.[10]
As Defense Chief, he has directed the completion of high-impact programs to enhance the country's territorial defense, internal security operations, total force capability build-up, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and international defense security engagements. At the same time, he also watches over the operations of the department's civilian bureaus - managing disaster preparedness,[11] developing self-reliant defense industry,[12] and improving the welfare and wellbeing of the country's defenders - the Filipino veterans[13] and our soldiers,[14] as well as their families.
On March 25, 2020, Secretary Lorenzana has been designated by President Duterte to lead the National Task Force (NTF) created by theInter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to fightCOVID-19.[15] As such, he handles the operational command to implement the National Action Plan (NAP) that was created to effectively and efficiently implement and decentralize the system of managing the COVID-19 situation.
With the reorganization of the Duterte Cabinet in May 2016 through Executive Order No. 24, Lorenzana assumed a bigger role as Chairperson of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster.[16] The cluster works to protect the national territory and boundaries of the Philippines, attain just and lasting peace, ensure welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers, strengthen the rule of law, institutionalize an efficient and impartial justice system; and protect human rights.[17] Under his leadership, the cluster crafted its roadmap until 2022 which the member agencies are resolutely fulfilling, as part of the government's sworn commitment to the Filipino people.
On May 23, 2017, shortly after theMarawi City was besieged by foreign and local terrorists,[18] he was appointed by the PresidentRodrigo Duterte as administrator of Martial Law inMindanao, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 217.[19]
Under his guidance, the implementation of Martial Law by the security forces is one that was non-invasive and non-intrusive, but nonetheless, highly effective towards neutralizing the threats of rebellion, terrorism, and violent extremism. Grounded on the AFP's mandate to protect the fundamental rights of the people, which are guaranteed by theConstitution of the Philippines, the defense chief ably directed the armed forces to observe and adhere to the rule of law, protect human rights, and uphold theinternational humanitarian law.
Pursuant to Lorenzana's recommendation,[20] the Martial Law inMindanao was no longer extended by the President after it lapsed on December 31, 2019. Its objectives have been successfully achieved upon the termination of rebellion inMarawi City,Lanao del Sur, and other areas inMindanao, effectively restoring peace and order.[21]
Government security forces were able to neutralize thousands of local, foreign and communist terrorist groups, most of whom surrendered while others were either captured or killed during military operations. In a 2018 statement, Philippine Army personnel said "3,187 high-powered firearms and 2,325 low-powered firearms have been confiscated or voluntarily surrendered".[22]
The success of martial law may also be attributed to the closer engagements of the AFP with local leaders down to the barangay level, and the efficient monitoring of the performance of local chief executives, in support to the good governance agenda of the Duterte Administration.
In May 2019, Secretary Lorenzana was again designated as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for theBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.[23] The region is now undergoing fast transition as theBangsamoro Organic Law is being implemented. While this designation is pursuant to Executive Order No. 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, he also fully supports Muslims in their exercise of their right to autonomy and self-determination under onePhilippine Flag.
Given the enactment of theBangsamoro Organic Law and its subsequent ratification after the resounding success of a two-part plebiscite,[24] the government is now enabling theBangsamoro Transition Authority in implementing the normalization process which includes, among others, the demilitarization of surrendered firearms as well as the decommissioning of theMoro Islamic Liberation Front Fighters.[25] These steps are essential in building lasting peace and inclusive development and progress in the region.
Under his leadership, the capacity and capability building of theArmed Forces of the Philippines became a top priority of the current administration.
Under the AFP Modernization Program, 80% of all projects under the Horizon 1 and Horizon 2 have been completed as of third quarter of 2020. Among the vital assets delivered in 2020 include theBRPJose Rizal,[26] the first missile frigate of the Philippine Navy; six brand-new Super Tucano from Brazil for close air support, light attack, aerial reconnaissance missions, and counter insurgency;[27] first batch of the Sikorsky S70-I Blackhawk Helicopters from Poland;[28] and Php1.38 billion worth of defense gears from the US Defense Department.[29]
In the next few months and years, the Philippines can expect the delivery of more planes to patrol its skies, more ships to defend its maritime domain, more equipment for Filipino troops to monitor and respond to threats, and better systems to quickly adapt to change.[30]
As Chairperson of theNational Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Secretary Lorenzana works to empower Filipino citizens through disaster preparedness, and to build climate and disaster-resilient communities.[31]
On the policy side, he is steadfast in implementing Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and in honoring Philippines’ international commitments such as the Hyogo Framework and the Sendai Framework towards building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. He also actively promotes regional cooperation amongASEAN countries to strengthen resilience and sustain economic growth amidst the presence of hazards.[32]
He also personally joins pre-and post-disaster assessment inspections and briefings like what he did duringTyphoon Haima or Super Typhoon Lawin,Battle of Marawi,Pampanga andMindanao Earthquakes,2020 Taal Volcano Eruption, and other disasters.[33]
Under his leadership, three-government command and control centers inVisayas andMindanao and several regional evacuation centers in various provinces were built. He likewise facilitated the inauguration of the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) Philippines satellite warehouse.[34]
Under the current administration, Php6.421 billion was ordered released by President Duterte to settle the arrearages in pensions of AFP retirees covering fiscal years 2008 to 2013.[35] This was made possible through the Lorenzana's genuine concern for his fellow veterans and their families.
In 2018, the Philippine Congress enacted RA No. 11164 increasing the pension of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans from Php5,000 to Php20,000.[36] Lorenzana's leadership was instrumental in the approval of this monumental welfare legislation for veterans that was strongly supported by the President.
On September 8, 2020, Lorenzana confirmed to theHouse of Representatives that he signed a contract allowingDito Telecommunity (which is 40% owned by theGovernment of China throughChina Telecom) to install cell towers inside Filipino military camps despite multiple security concerns.[37][38] He assured there are enough safeguards in the deal, saying the "security of our camps will be maintained."[38]
In the final week of December, Duterte revealed to the public that several military men have already been inoculated with the ChineseCOVID-19 vaccine fromSinopharm even though theFood and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the import and use of any COVID-19 vaccine. Lorenzana confirmed that thePresidential Security Group (PSG) have already been vaccinated, though he himself was not.[39] He later confirmed that the vaccines were donated and smuggled, and that the PSG "violated FDA rules". However, he defended the vaccination, saying: "They did it in good faith. Now everybody there is safe from COVID-19". He then told the FDA to "expedite its approval of COVID-19 vaccines so that legitimate importers could start importing". He also assured that the rest of the armed forces will wait for an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.[40][41]
On January 15, 2021, Lorenzana sent a letter toDanilo Concepcion, thepresident of theUniversity of the Philippines (UP), that the DND has unilaterally terminated theUP–DND accord, a 1989 agreement that sets guidelines on military and police operations inside the university.[42][43] He called the agreement "obsolete", and reasoned that its abrogation was necessary since theNew People's Army (NPA) have "embedded themselves inside UP and are recruiting university students". He insisted that UP has become "a safe haven for enemies of the State", and that the university administration failed to prevent its students from joining the communists.[42][44] The abrogation was met with protests from the university's students and faculty, as well as progressive groups and government officials, calling it a threat toacademic freedom.[45][46][47] Nonetheless, on January 21, Lorenzana announced the unilateral abrogation of a similar pact between the DND and thePolytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) that was signed in 1990.[48]
On October 7, 2024, Lorenzana filed his candidacy to run in the2025 Philippine Senate election[49] as anindependent candidate. However, he withdrew his candidacy the next day due to undisclosed reasons.[50]
Lorenzana was born on October 28, 1948, inMidsayap,Cotabato, to poorIlocano parents, Teodoro Lorenzana, who is a corn, rice and coconut farmer and Juanita Negrillo, both hailing fromSan Quintin,Pangasinan but traces their roots fromIlocos Sur andLa Union.[51] He was raised inParang, Cotabato where he attended elementary and high school. He attendedNotre Dame University in Cotabato City for two years before entering Philippine Military Academy.
Lorenzana is married to Editha Aguilar fromCaloocan. They have four children, including Cecille Lorenzana-Romero, executive director of theNational Parks Development Committee, and one granddaughter.[citation needed]
In April 2021, while serving as Chairman of the National Task Force againstCOVID-19, Lorenzana revealed that he had contracted the virus, although he claims that he is asymptomatic.[52]
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
People Power I Unit Citation
People Power II Ribbon
Martial Law Unit Citation
Distinguished Service Stars
Gold Cross
Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer)
Military Merits
Military Commendation Medals
Military Civic Action Medal
Long Service Medal
Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal
Luzon Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
Visayas Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operations Ribbon
Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer)_Badge.png){kind=icon}
Combat Commander's Badge (Philippines)
AFP Parachutist Badge
Philippine Army Command and General Staff Course Badge
Scout Ranger Qualification Badge
: Knight Grand Officer of Rizal of theOrder of the Knights of Rizal.[53]
Media related toDelfin Lorenzana at Wikimedia Commons| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Secretary of National Defense 2016–2022 | Succeeded by Jose Faustino Jr. (OIC) |
