New AFP chief ordered to end local communist armed conflict

MANILA, Philippines — Continuing the government's goal to end local communist armed conflict is among the marching orders of President Rodrigo Duterte to the new military chief.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed that Duterte has appointed Lt. Gen. Noel Clement as the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"The Palace is confident that with General Clement at the helm of the AFP, he will continue to uphold the high degree of professionalism, the dedication and the integrity our soldiers have displayed to the flag and country," Panelo said in a statement.

Clement currently heads the AFP Central Command, which is based in Cebu. He also led the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division and served the military's deputy chief of staff for operations.

He will replace outgoing AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., who will mandatorily retire on September 28 as he turns 56. — Patricia Lourdes Viray