Top PMAer, medal of valor awardee to head AFP, Army

President Rodrigo Duterte has tapped Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, who was valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, to take command of the country’s military as the 54th Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff.

Named as his replacement as commanding general of the Philippine Army is Western Mindanao command head Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who was given a medal of valor for bravery and courage during a gunbattle with the Abu Sayyaf terror group in Isabela, Basilan province, in 1995.

Gapay replaces Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., who retires on Aug. 3.

Fresh out of the PMA, Gapay was commissioned on March 22, 1986, and started his career with the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division. Before his designation as Army chief, he was commander of the Southern Luzon command.

Gapay is the recipient of several awards and decorations including the Philippine Legion of Honor, four distinguished service stars, four gold cross medals for gallantry in action, and a medal for outstanding achievement.—Jeannette I. Andrade