By Priam Nepomuceno – PNA
MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) congratulated incumbent Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) head, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, after being named as the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff.
“The One Defense Team congratulates Lt.Gen. Madrigal and assures him of the Department’s full support as he takes the helm of the AFP leadership from his predecessor, Gen. Galvez,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement late Wednesday.
Madrigal’s appointment as next AFP chief was approved by Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte, last Dec. 5.
He will replace Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. who will retire from the service on Dec. 12.
The former’s appointment was based on the endorsement of DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the AFP chief-of-staff and the chairman of the Board of Generals (BOG).
“The rigorous selection of the CSAFP (Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines) is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 8186, as amended by Republic Act 9188,” Andolong added.
Madrigal, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, was the most senior among the BOG recommendees and also among the most competent in terms of distinct professionalism, leadership and character.
“The DND thanks Gen. Galvez for his commendable leadership and outstanding military service that inspired professionalism, patriotism and good governance in the AFP, allowing it to reach many milestones in our efforts to achieve just and lasting peace, and promotion of human rights and respect for the rule of law,” the DND spokesperson said.
Prior to being EMC head, Madrigal also served as Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief.
Madrigal held key positions in the Philippine Army (PA), which includes command of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan De Oro.
He also served as assistant division commander and later acting head of the 10th Infantry Division in Compostela Valley before becoming the PA chief-of-staff.
Madrigal is set to retire on September 28, 2019.
