Catapang named AFP chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has promoted Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang as new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Department of National Defense announced yesterday.

Catapang, the incumbent AFP vice chief of staff, will take over the top military post on Friday from Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, who is retiring two days ahead of his mandatory retirement at age 56 on Sunday, said defense department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981, Catapang was the former commander of the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom). He is Bautista’s classmate.

Catapang had also served as commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Nueva Ecija.

He has been assigned to various military positions in Mindanao and other conflict-stricken areas.

President Aquino will install Catapang as commander of the 125,000-strong military in turnover rites scheduled on Friday.

“A testimonial parade and review will be held on Friday here at the General Headquarters parade ground in honor of the outgoing chief of staff General Bautista, followed by a change of command ceremony to be presided over by the commander-in-chief,” said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office.

Catapang’s official designation as new AFP chief ended days of speculation within military circles.

The most senior among the key contenders to the top military post, Catapang is described by junior military officers as a well-rounded officer who has more than a year to serve before retirement.

Prior to Catapang’s designation, Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri of PMA Class of 1983 and Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado of PMA Class 1982 were among the contenders to the top military post.