7 generals shortlisted for post of AFP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Seven three-star generals have been recommended to succeed Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The AFP Board of Generals has forwarded the names of the seven generals to the President.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters on Sunday that the seven three-star generals have “proven competence, integrity and managerial leadership acumen.”

Madrigal will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Sept. 28. But the change of command rites in Camp Aguinaldo will be on Sept. 24.

Most likely in the shortlist are Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez and Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad.

The initial list of 13 generals with three stars include Alberto, Briguez, 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., AFP inspector general Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim, 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.