Voltaire T. Gazmin | |
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![]() Gazmin in 2013 portrait | |
26th Secretary of National Defense | |
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016 | |
President | Benigno S. Aquino III |
Preceded by | Norberto Gonzales |
Succeeded by | Delfin Lorenzana |
Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia | |
In office May 1, 2002 – June 30, 2004 | |
President | Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo |
Commanding General of the Philippine Army | |
In office July 13, 1999 – October 22, 2000 | |
President | Joseph Ejercito Estrada |
Preceded by | Lt. Gen. Angelo T. Reyes |
Succeeded by | Lt. Gen. Diomedio P. Villanueva |
Commander AFP Special Operations Command | |
In office 1997–1999 | |
President | Joseph Ejercito Estrada |
Preceded by | Job Mayo |
Succeeded by | Dionisio Santiago |
Commander of Philippine Presidential Security Group | |
In office March 1, 1986 – June 29, 1992 | |
President | Corazon Aquino |
Preceded by | Fabian Ver |
Succeeded by | Ismael Z. Villareal |
Personal details | |
Born | Voltaire Tuvera Gazmin October 22, 1944 Moncada, Tarlac, Philippines |
Spouse | Rhodora H. Gazmin |
Alma mater | Philippine Military Academy |
Profession | Soldier |
Signature | ![]() |
Website | http://www.dnd.gov.ph |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Philippine Army |
Years of service | 1968-2000 |
Rank | ![]() |
Voltaire Tuvera Gazmin (born 22 October 1944 in Moncada, Tarlac) is a retired Filipino soldier who was the 35th Secretary of the Department of National Defense of the Philippines. Gazmin assumed office on 1 July 2010, after President Benigno S. Aquino III had issued the former's appointment the day before.[1][2]
Gazmin emerged from a nearly six-year hiatus from public office after last serving as the Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia from 2002 to 2004.[3] For nearly 32 years, he was a career officer in the Philippine Army, retiring as a Lieutenant General and after serving as the 40th Commanding General of the Philippine Army until 2000.
He first gained national prominence in 1986 as the loyal and disciplinarian Commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), defiantly defending the government of President Corazon C. Aquino from seven 'coup attempts during her six-year term. Gazmin was honored multiple times in his military career for his skills in intelligence gathering and effectively commanding troops in some of the most difficult operations and for a long-term vision in administrative matters. His disciplinary demeanour has earned him the respect of his peers and junior officers and staff as a military officer and as a civilian.