Military chief Catapang gets fourth star

Military chief General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. receives his fourth star in a donning of ranks ceremony held at the Department of National Defense on Friday. In the photo with General Catapang is his wife, Vilma Catapang, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MANILA, Philippines—Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. received his fourth star on Friday, July 25, a week after he formally took over from his predecessor, retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, as military chief.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin presided tha donning of ranks ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo.

Catapang, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, assumed post as the 45th AFP chief of staff in turnover ceremonies led by President Benigno Aquino III.

The four-star position is the highest rank for a military officer, and is exclusive to the Chief of Staff.