Arevalo steps down as AFP spox, training command chief

MANILA – Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo on Friday formally stepped down as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) and military spokesperson.

Arevalo will bow out of military service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 18.

He was replaced as AFPETDC chief by Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III in a joint retirement and change of command ceremony at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Throughout his military service, MGen Arevalo competently fulfilled various critical roles in the AFP. As the Commander, AFPETDC, and concurrent AFP spokesperson, he continued to perform these crucial and demanding positions. (He) has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in the service and the AFP will always be grateful to you,” acting AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, who presided over the ceremony, said in a statement Saturday.

The AFP has yet to announce a new spokesperson.

Before his post as AFPETDC chief, Arevalo served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7; acting Commander and Deputy Commander of the Civil Relations Service of the AFP; Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the AFP; and Commander of the Philippine Navy Civil Military Operations Group, among various positions.

He was awarded four Distinguished Service Stars, a Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry, a Kapanalig sa Kapayapaan, a Meritorious Achievement Medal, two Chief of Staff AFP Commendation Medals, and four Gawad sa Kaunlaran, among many other medals and campaign ribbons.

Arevalo served as spokesperson for eight AFP chiefs of staff.

Meanwhile, Felicidario served in Mindanao as commander of the 102nd and 101st infantry brigades; Assistant Division Commander of the 11th Infantry Division; and most recently as chief of the AFP Peace and Development Office (AFPPDO).

“With your brand of leadership, wisdom, and wealth of experiences, you are more than ready to face any challenge in the days ahead, as well as sustain the momentum established by your predecessors. I am confident that you will be able to steer this Command steadily towards the successful accomplishment of your core mandate,” Gloria said of the new AFPETDC commander.

Felicidario will be replaced by Col. Marvin Licudine as head of the AFPPDO in a change of chief of office ceremony scheduled on July 19.