AFP’s top spy is new Army chief

Photo from 8th Infantry Division

Maj. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commander of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), was named as the next commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Alberto will assume to lead the 98,000-strong Army on Monday, October 15, when Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista steps down from service.

A document seen by INQUIRER.net on Thursday showed a signed letter from President Rodrigo Duterte addressed to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, informing the defense chief of Alberto’s approved designation as new Army chief.

“I wish to inform you that per your letter-endorsement and in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chairman, AFP Board of Generals, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8186, as amended by Republic Act No. 9186, the designation of Maj. Gen. Macairog Alberto as Commanding General, Philippine Army vice Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista is hereby approved effective Oct. 15, 2018,” the letter dated Oct. 10 read.

This was also confirmed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Alberto, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986, was the commander of Task Force Davao from June 2014 to August 2015, the same time Duterte was mayor of Davao City.

A Scout Ranger officer, he also finished other trainings in counter terrorism and intelligence. He has a degree on Strategic Security Studies and a Master’s Degree in Public Management.

He was a recipient of Distinguished Conduct Star, Gold Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, military merit medals for combat and other non-combat medals. /kga