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AFP chief Gapay gets fourth star, promoted to rank of general

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gilbert Gapay was promoted to the rank of general on Wednesday.

Gapay received his fourth star in a donning of ranks ceremony presided by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. It was attended by senior military officials, including AFP vice chief of staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., as well as Gapay's family.

Gapay, a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986, took over as the 54th AFP chief on August 3, replacing retired general Felimon Santos Jr.

The military chief has outlined four areas of priorities under his leadership, which include operational effectiveness, organizational efficiency, personnel development and well-being, and stakeholders collaboration.

"We remain dedicated to the performance of our mandate. This achievement is a realization of, not only the sacrifices which we have already made, but also of the obligations we have yet to fulfill for our country and its people," Gapay said.

"I am hopeful that the AFP will continue working collectively to provide a secure and peaceful environment for every Filipino,” he added.—AOL, GMA News