Women lawyers, leaders commissioned as AFP reserve lieutenant colonels
Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Investigation Enforcement and Litigation Office Director IV Atty. Concepcion Ferolino-Enad, and Quezon City Deputy City Prosecutor Atty. Irene Resurreccion-Medrano have been commissioned as Lieutenant Colonels in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force.
They have completed the Master’s in National Security Administration (MNSA) program.
Their ranks were formally conferred during a Donning of Ranks Ceremony on March 17, recognizing their dedication to public service and national security. Their promotion highlights their leadership, commitment, and expanded role in safeguarding the nation.
In her speech, Gutierrez underscored the significance of their mission amid today’s political and social challenges.
“In a world where threats—both seen and unseen—take many forms, we are tasked with the challenge of ensuring the safety, security, and democratic integrity of our people. This is not a duty that can be taken lightly. It requires not only skill and discipline, but also a deep sense of empathy, understanding, and respect for the diverse perspectives that make up the Philippines. It demands that we listen, unite, and act with purpose,” she said.
She also called on her fellow promotees to uphold the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
“I ask each of us to rise above the ordinary, to be extraordinary in our service, leadership, and commitment to our fellow countrymen. Let us support one another and embrace our shared mission with a sense of purpose and compassion. In the face of adversity, let us be a shining example of what it means to serve with honor, courage, and integrity,” the DOJ Undersecretary added.
Aside from the three women lawyers and government leaders, also commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel in the AFP Reserve Force are Public-Private Partnership Center Deputy Executive Director V Eleazar Ricote, Quezon City Senior Assistant City Prosecutor III Julan Ilao, and Department of Health–Health Facility Development Bureau Director III Roberto Salvador.
Meanwhile, Cols. Nestor Pedro, Commander of the 1701RRIBde, 4RCDG, RESCOM, PA; Enrico Yuzon, Commander of the 1603RRIBde, 3RCDG, RESCOM, PA; and Melencio Ragudo, Commander of the 203IBde, 2ID, PA, were promoted to Brigadier General.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, Commander of the 3ID, PA, was elevated to the rank of Major General.
Gutierrez, Ferolino-Enad, and Resurreccion-Medrano’s commissioning is especially significant as it comes during Women’s Month this March—a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in leadership, governance, and national security.
Their achievement not only highlights the growing role of women in shaping the nation’s future but also serves as an inspiration for the next generation of female leaders in public service and defense.
