13 contenders seen for top AFP post

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines–There are at least 13 generals qualified to succeed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., who retires on Sept. 28.

“All three-star generals are qualified for the position [of AFP chief of staff],” Madrigal said at a ceremony on Wednesday.

“He (next chief of staff) is somebody who should be adept [in] our military campaign. Somebody who is, of course, familiar with the national task force and our problem on communist insurgency. And, of course, familiar with our peace process in the Bangsamoro region. And, of course, adept [in] our current challenges (terrorism),” Madrigal said.

There are 13 three-star generals in the AFP. Among them are Army commander Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto; Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez; Navy flag officer in command Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad; Philippine Military Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista; AFP chief of the directorial staff Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria; AFP vice chief of staff Vice Adm. Gaudencio Collado Jr.; and AFP inspector general Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim.

Also contending for the top post are: Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ramiro Rey; Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay; Western Command chief Vice Adm. Rene Medina; Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Noel Clement; Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.; and Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

All five AFP chiefs previously appointed by President Duterte came from the Army.