Army activates Office of the International Military Affairs

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FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army activated the Office of the International Military Affairs (OIMA) here yesterday, August 5, 2019.

The OIMA is primarily responsible in matters pertaining to the facilitation of all administrative requirements of the Philippine Army in its bilateral and multi-lateral engagements. The Army Vice Commander, Maj. Gen. Reynaldo M. Aquino, presided its activation ceremony and the turn-over of the office symbol to its designated chief, Col. Lennon G. Babilonia.

Meanwhile, Babilonia is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maalab” Class of 1993. He holds masters degrees in Technology Management, in Business, and in Public Management. During the early years of his career as a field officer from 1993 to 1999, he took up various leadership roles at the 8th Infantry Division in Visayas. He later on served at the Northern Luzon Command, and in the Training and Doctrine Command.

Prior to his current position, Babilonia was assigned as the Deputy of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, OG5, of the Philippine Army. The OG5 used to be the main office in charge of IDSE.

“The establishment of OIMA is crucial in the attainment of the Army’s capability for territorial defense through international engagements and diplomacy. [It] symbolizes the Army’s commitment to peace and security. In the age of connectivity, this office is a blueprint to becoming a world class Army,” said Babilonia in his assumption speech.

“With the momentum of our many alliances, cooperation and activities with counterparts from partner-countries, the OIMA’s role and value is urgent and essential. It stands as a separate and distinct entity, responsible for the managements of the Army’s International Defense and Security Engagements (IDSE),” said Aquino.

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