Duterte to new AFP chief Madrigal: Sustain progress in keeping peace, order

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered new Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal to build on the gains of his predecessors to ensure that the country is peaceful and secure.

Madrigal succeeded General Carlito Galvez Jr., whose eight-month stint at the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the President said, led to the neutralization of more than 2,000 terrorists, the recovery of thousands of firearms, and the clearing of seven guerrilla fronts of the New People's Army.

Galvez's retirement came as Duterte set out a new strategy in addressing the decades-old communist insurgency as provided under Executive Order 70 which the President signed on December 4.

"From the military-centric approach that gave us our recent successes against the communist movement, we now shift to a new civilian-led approach that will tap other government agencies and other private sector in bringing basic services and other development interventions that will address the root cause of the communist movement," Duterte said in his speech during the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

"General Madrigal, you are now tasked with the responsibility of preserving peace and ensuring order as we shift to this new approach. Sustain the progress of those who came before you and create a legacy that will cause ripples [of] positive change in the years to come," he added.

Duterte expressed trust that the AFP under Madrigal "will achieve more milestones in the campaign to combat terrorism, end insurgency, and address lingering and emerging threats to national security."

"The Filipino people count on the AFP to remain steadfast in its mission to defend our land and preserve the peace in our communities. Let us not fail them," the President said.

Duterte also urged soldiers to rally behind Madrigal "so that we may soon realize our aspirations for a stronger armed forces and a safer and more secure nation."

Prior to being named AFP chief, Madrigal served as the commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, based in Davao City, the President's hometown.

He had also served as commander of the Southern Luzon Command; commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan De Oro; assistant division commander and later acting division commander of the 10th Infantry Division in Compostela Valley; and chief of staff of the Philippine Army.

"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," AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said.

Madrigal is a member of Philippine Military Academy Sandiwa Class of 1985. — BM, GMA News