AFP chief Madrigal now a four-star general

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. received his fourth star on Thursday, a month after talking over the helm of the military.

Madrigal led two other star-rank officers who got promoted in ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo.

Madrigal succeeded Carlito Galvez, Jr. who now serves as President Rodrigo Duterte's peace adviser.

Also promoted to the next higher rank in a separate ceremony were Major General Noel Clement, Central Command's acting commander, and Brigadier General Pablo Lorenzo, deputy chief of staff for intelligence, J2.

Prior his present assignment, Clement was the commander of the 501st and 602nd Infantry Brigades and the 10th Infantry Division alongside General Madrigal as Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command.

Clement was also designated as the deputy chief of staff for operations, J3,.  He replaced Lieutenant General Paul Atal who was designated as the AFP Inspector General in November last year.

Lorenzo was the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana before his appointment as intelligence chief. 

"Their solid record of service speaks of their capability, capacity, and commitment to be promoted," Madrigal said of Clement and Lorenzo.

"They are committed and capable officers; professionals who display the highest standard of leadership, competence, and character," Madrigal added.—Llanesca Panti/ LDF, GMA News