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President Aquino described Ileto as a professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman. Prior to his appointment, he was Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).



Ileto was born in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, on October 24, 1920. Rocky, to his boyhood friends, finished his elementary education in his hometown and secondary education at the Nueva Ecija High School.


In college, he started with two years in engineering at the University of the Philippines, had a one-year stint at the Philippine Military Academy in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City and graduated in June 1943 at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. 


He later joined the AFP.





Reference: Philippine News Agency archives

Aquino appointed Ileto Defense Secretary November 23, 1986

Today in Philippine History, November 23, 1986, President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Gen. Rafael Ileto as the 17th Defense Secretary, replacing Juan Ponce Enrile

November 23, 1986: President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Gen. Rafael Ileto as the 17th Defense Secretary, replacing Juan Ponce Enrile