Manila – President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, the current commander of the Southern Luzon Command, as the Philippine Army’s next commanding general.
Duterte, in a letter addressed to Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, approved the designation of Gapay as Army chief – to replace retiring Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto.
“I wish to inform you that per your letter-endorsement and in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Chairman, AFP Board of Generals, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8186, as amended, the designation of Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay O-9473 Armed Forces of the Philippines as Commanding General, Philippine Army vice Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto O-9568 is hereby approved,” Duterte said.
Gapay is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 – on top of his class.
Prior to his assignment in the Southern Luzon Command, Gapay served as commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division and deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City.
AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo earlier said there were five shortlisted candidates for the top Army post./PN
