New AFP chief a highly-regarded military officer

Madrigal, the 51st AFP chief-of-staff, served notably as 4th Infantry Division commander, Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Mindanao Command chief. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — Incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, is a highly-regarded officer in the military circle.

This was bared by AFP spokesperson Brig.

Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a message to reporters Thursday.

“Lt. Gen. Madrigal Jr. is highly-regarded and much-respected senior officer who has distinguished himself in a wide spectrum of military operations. His ascent to the top of the AFP leadership hierarchy has been considered by his peers, superiors, and subordinates to be remarkable. He has gone through the tactical and operational echelons of command with high distinction,” he added.

Madrigal, the 51st AFP chief-of-staff, served notably as 4th Infantry Division commander, Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Mindanao Command chief.

His appointment as next AFP chief was approved last Dec. 5 by President Rodrigo Duterte, replacing Gen.

Carlito Galvez, Jr., who will retire on Dec. 12.

Arevalo added that Madrigal earned distinction during his term at the Eastern Mindanao Command, where troops under his command dismantled seven New People’s Army guerilla fronts and weakened 16 others.

“He is widely known in the AFP to maintain steep standards, focused in his actions, deliberate with his plans, and able to lead the men and women under him to accomplish difficult missions as a team,” he added.

He also noted that the incoming AFP chief has a reputation as strategic planner having worked as the Chief of War Plans Division, J-5 and fiscal manager having been assigned as Chief of Philippine Army Management Fiscal Office.

“He is a compassionate commander to those whom he worked with and even with friends or adversaries. This is evident in the unprecedented number of terrorist NPA surrenderers in Eastern Mindanao. Notwithstanding these attributes, Lt. Gen. Madrigal, Jr. is an amiable officer, cheerful, and easy to get along with,” Arevalo disclosed.

He added that the AFP is confident that Madrigal will carry on with the reforms started by Galvez and pledged their support and cooperation to the new chief-of-staff.

Madrigal is set to retire on September 28, 2019.