Galvez lauds AFP personnel for ‘job well done’

FILE: AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez (Photo: PTV)

MANILA — Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. on Monday expressed his appreciation to every soldier, airman, sailor, marine personnel and civilian employees for doing their jobs well during his eight-month stint.

“As I near retirement, I was able to breathe and say ‘kaya pala natin’ (we can do it), I could not be any happier and more content than I am now, that we are able to accomplish our goals. All of these will not be possible without your help and support,” Galvez said during his last flag-raising ceremony as AFP chief at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Galvez, who was joined by wife Marissa, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and spouse Editha, also led the “Panunumpa sa Karapatang Pantao”.

“On behalf of every soldier, airman, sailor, and marines, we join the whole nation in observing the culmination of National Human Rights Consciousness Week: Protecting Human Lives, Uplifting Human Dignity, and Advancing People’s Progress,” he added.

Galvez, the 50th AFP chief, will be replaced by Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal during turnover ceremonies Tuesday. Both of them are members of Philippine Military Class of 1985.

The outgoing AFP chief is scheduled to retire from the military on Wednesday, after being appointed to head the institution last April.

“I may never thank you enough for all the hard work and patience, but I did try my best with the programs and policies that will boost the morale of our personnel. Years of experience have taught me that I can only harness commitment and devotion to public service by providing to be a better example of myself. And I always believed that morale of personnel first, and mission accomplishment always,” he added.