PRRD picks Eastmincom head Madrigal as new AFP chief

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the oath-taking of the new Career Executive Service Officers (CESOs), the conferment of the 2017 Gawad Career Executive Services (CES), and the 2018 Outstanding Government Workers Awards Rites at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on September 27, 2018, reiterates that he continues to work on fulfilling his promise of getting rid of corruption in the government. RENE LUMAWAG/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has named Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) head Lt. Gen. Benjamin “Benjie” Madrigal as the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Madrigal’s appointment was confirmed in a letter that President Rodrigo R. Duterte addressed to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Dec. 5.

Madrigal will replace AFP chief of staff General Carlito Galvez Jr., who will retire from the service on Dec. 12.

Prior to being Eastmincom chief, he was the Commander of the Southern Luzon Command from Aug. 18, 2017 to Nov. 7, 2017 and Commander of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army from March 23 2016 to Aug.

23, 2017.

Madrigal has held other major positions in the Armed Forces: he became the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army; the Acting Division Commander and Assistant Division Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army; Chief of War Plans Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5 at General Headquarters; the Secretary Army General Staff at Headquarters Philippine Army; the Secretary Joint Staff, AFP; the Head Executive Assistant to the CSAFP; the Chief, Management and Fiscal Office of the Philippine Army; and, the Brigade Commander of the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division.

His major unit commands in the battalion, brigade and division were all in Eastern Mindanao.

Madrigal is a recipient of various military awards and decorations, most significant are the Distinguished Service Stars and Outstanding Achievement Medals. This year, he received the highly-coveted Cavalier Award for Outstanding Performance in Command and Administration.

He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.