AFP to hold joint change of command and anniversary rites

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced it will be holding joint ceremonies for the change of command and its founding anniversary in a single day.

AFP chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. will relinquish his post to his successor, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, in a turnover ceremony at the military’s headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

On the same day, the AFP will also hold a ceremony for its 83rd founding anniversary, days before its actual date of December 21.

Both events in the military are usually attended by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte. In December 2017, the AFP held separate ceremonies for the assumption of then AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año and the anniversary rites.

“The holding of these two major events in one day is both practical, economical and suits the schedule of the commander-in-chief who is the guest of honor in the 83rd anniversary and also the presiding officer in the change of command ceremony of the AFP chief of staff,” said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. /kga