Senior Undersecretary Irineo Cruz Espino is a retired Lieutenant General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from Pulilan, Bulacan. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City, belonging to the PMA "Matapat" Class of 1979.

USec Espino's pursuit of knowledge led him to undertake various courses and training both locally and internationally. He completed the Infantry Officers Advance Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA; Overseas Joint Warfare Course in ADFW, Australia; Australian & Military Familiarization Course at RAAF Base, Laverton, Australia. Additionally, he obtained a Masters in Management from Philippine Christian University, Manila, and a Masters in Security Studies in Post-Conflict at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA.

With over three decades of experience in government service, USec Espino possesses exceptional leadership qualities and has held significant positions of responsibility in the AFP.

Some of his notable assignments include:

Commandant of the Command and Staff School, TRADOC, PA in 2005-2006;

Commander, 101st Infantry Brigade, 1ID, PA in Zamboanga Del Norte in 2006-2007;

Commander, Headquarters Service Command, GHQ, Quezon City in 2007-2009;

Chief of Staff, Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City in 2009;

Commander, 7th Infantry "Kaugnay" Division, Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City in 2009-2011;

The Inspector General, AFP in 2011-2012, serving as the principal adviser to the Chief of Staff, AFP on various matters;

Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City in 2012-2013; and Vice President for Administration, Centro Escolar University in 2014-2015.

USec Espino has received numerous military medals, ribbons for combat and administration, as well as letters of commendation and awards from both military and civilian bodies. Notably, he was awarded the Award ng Lipi as one of the Outstanding Bulakeños in the Field of Public Service in the year 2011.

Affectionately known as "Boy", he is happily married to Marion De Leon Espino of Baguio City and they have two daughters, Marionelle Eiza Espino – Manalo and Pamela Gail Espino.