Ex-AFP chief of staff Lisandro Abadia passed away —military

Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Lisandro Abadia has passed away, the military organization said on Monday.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said the AFP is extending its sincerest condolences to Abadia's family and friends.

According to Zagala, Abadia, who led the AFP from April 1991 to April 1994, "paved the way for the professionalization of the military and the return of meritocracy in its promotion system."

"He also led the AFP Campaign Plan 'Lambat Bitag' that significantly decreased the strength of the communist terrorist group," Zagala added.

Citing information from classmates of Abadia at the Philippine Military Academy class of 1962, Zagala said Abadia died on Sunday night in his residence in Bonifacio Heights in Taguig City.

The AFP will provide appropriate military honors to Abadia in recognition of his legacy and sacrifices as a soldier and head of the organization.

"Again, we send our deep condolences and sympathies to his family," Zagala said.  —KBK, GMA News