AFP announces retirement of Vice Chief of Staff Collado

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., retired from the military during a joint change of chief of office and retirement ceremony at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Country, the Philippine military announced on Saturday.

The AFP Chief of Staff, General Gilbert Gapay, presided over the activity via virtual teleconference at his office.

Vice Admiral Collado turned over his post to the Commander of Western Command (WESCOM), Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria.

Vice Admiral Collado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 and had served as AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, Commander of the Philippine Fleet, and Chief of Naval Staff.

He is a Surface Warfare Officer who, during his sea tour, commanded several types of Philippine navy vessels, including the Presidential Yacht BRP Ang Pangulo, BRP Dagupan City, BRP Florencio Iñigo, and BRP Jose Andrada.

He is also a recipient of various medals, recognitions, and commendations; among which are five Distinguished Service Stars, Gawad sa Kaunlaran, Bronze Cross Medal, numerous Military Merit, and Commendation Medals.

During the ceremony, he was presented with the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Degree of Commander for meritorious and exceptional service rendered to the country and the Filipino people.

Vice Admiral Collado, who assumed the Vice Chief of Staff position on June 20, 2019, supervised the AFP-wide service support and separate units as well as the different boards and organizations within the military.

He actively worked on policy formulation, implementation, and oversight on the overall conduct of AFP operations to achieve operational effectiveness.

The accomplished Navy officer also championed the attainment of organizational excellence related to the current reform initiatives under the AFP’s modernization program, transformation roadmap, and other development and reform efforts.

“As I culminate my career, I take pride in the thought that I have made my humble contributions in elevating the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the service that we have selflessly given to achieve its current stature,” he said.

Gapay, speaking on behalf of the men and women of the Philippine military, thanked Collado for his service, which he selflessly rendered for more than three decades.

Collado's successor, Lieutenant General Gloria, is a tactical and rescue pilot who became WESCOM commander on May 26, 2020. — DVM, GMA News