6 Army officers get their first stars

MANILA, Philippines — Six newly promoted officers of the Philippine Army got their first stars pinned at Fort Bonifacio on Thursday.

Receiving their first stars were Brigadier Generals Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division; Anthony Cacayuran, commander of the 54th Engineer Brigade; Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade of the 6th ID; Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade of the 2nd ID; Rommel Tello, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade of the 9th ID; and Gabriel Viray, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade of the 9th ID.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the Army commanding general, donned the ranks in a ceremony held at the Commander’s Lounge of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.

“The stars that you proudly wear on your shoulders reflect the excellence and level of commitment that you have evidently shown as a leader,” Gapay said during the ceremony.

“I am proud of your accomplishments and I trust that you will be consistent in effectively carrying out your duties and responsibilities as commanders of your units,” the Army chief added.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said other high ranking officers and the spouses of the newly promoted generals also witnessed the ceremony.

He explained that the star rank belongs to officers occupying the highest leadership positions in the Philippine Army. 

A one-star general is referred to as a brigadier general. Major generals have two stars while those with three are called lieutenant generals. A full general has four stars.