AFP welcomes Madrigal's appointment as next chief of staff

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. as its next chief of staff, citing his accomplishments in operations against communist rebels.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo described Madrigal as "a compassionate commander" who "has gone through the tactical and operational echelons of command with high distinction."

Madrigal, a member of Philippine Military Academy Sandiwa Class of 1985, will replace General Carlito Galvez Jr. who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on December 12.

Madrigal is currently the commander of the military's Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) based in Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.

As Eastmincom commander, Madrigal is responsible for dismantling seven New People's Army fronts and weakening of 16 others, Arevalo said.

"He is widely known in the AFP to maintain steep standards, focused in his actions, deliberate with his plans, and able to lead the men and women under him to accomplish difficult missions as a team," Arevalo said.

"He is a strategic planner having worked as the Chief of War Plans Division, J5 and fiscal manager having been assigned as Chief of Philippine Army Management Fiscal Office."

Arevalo said the AFP is confident that Madrigal will carry on with the reforms initiated by Galvez as it commits its full support to him. —KBK, GMA News