MANILA — The military on Thursday lauded the designation of Major Gen. Macairog Sabeniano Alberto as the next Philippine Army (PA) chief replacing Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, who is scheduled to retire on Monday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“Major Gen. Alberto is a highly respected leader and commander having distinguished himself in the field of combat, intelligence, and civil military operations in various echelons of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) hierarchy,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.
The incoming commander is “well-respected among subordinates, peers, and more senior officers” of the more than 98,000 Army troopers.
“He is known for his dedicated, no non-sense, and passionate approach to mission accomplishment while ensuring the welfare of the men and women under his command,” Arevalo added.
Alberto is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986 while his predecessor, Bautista, who is headed for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is a member of PMA Class of 1985.
Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said the incoming Army chief is a graduate of various courses both local and abroad.
“Significant is the Scout Ranger Course, Strategic Intel Course, Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program and Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) from (the) National Defense University, USA. He also holds masters in Public Management Major in Development and Security from (the) Development Academy of the Philippines,” he added.
Alberto also served as commanding officer of the 2nd and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, Task Force Davao head prior his designation as 1001st Infantry Brigade head, a unit of the 10th Infantry Division in Mindanao before appointment as chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP.
“He is also a recipient of various awards and decors, to name a few, Military Commendation Medal, Military Merit Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, UN Service Medal/Ribbon, Silver Wing Medal, Gold Cross Medal and Distinguished Service Medal,” Villanueva said. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
