Military honors for retiring Mapagu

MANILA, Philippines—The outgoing Armed Forces second boss and former Army chief gave his colleagues a goodbye salute in ceremonies held at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, three days before his compulsory retirement.

Armed Forces vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu was given military honors by 1,000 parading troops in testimonial review and retirement ceremonies attended by his immediate family, friends and mistahs.

In a speech, the military general from Tuguegarao called his retirement as “making it to the finish line” despite obstacles on the road.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. General Jessie Dellos called him a true leader who “blended well with his staff” and “has etched a remarkable career.”

Mapagu, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978, had served as the vice chief of staff of the military for two years since August 2010. He was appointed as Army chief during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He headed the unit of the First Scout Ranger Regiment from 2006 to 2008 before being assigned to lead the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Davao and the National Capital Region Command.

Mapagu will be replaced by Lt. General Noel Coballes, former Western Mindanao Command chief.