President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (August 11). (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday swore in newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., and other military officers during simple rites at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.
Catapang, who was appointed as the 45th Chief of Staff of the AFP, assumed his post last July, replacing General Emmanuel Bautista. With him during the ceremony was his family.
Following Catapang’s oath-taking, President Aquino administered the oaths of office to newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP.
Inducted into office were Lieutenant General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., Major General Donato San Juan, Major General Victor Bayani, Major General Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., Major General Mayoralgo dela Cruz, Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, Major General Glorioso Miranda, Brigadier General Medardo Geslani, and Brigadier General Arthur Ang.
Also promoted were Brigadier General Vicente Yordan, Commodore Allan Rosal, Brigadier General Arnold Mancita, Brigadier General Enrique Reyes, Brigadier General Armando Bañez, Brigadier General Edgar Gonzales, Brigadier General Irma Almoneda, Brigadier General Johnny Macanas, Brigadier General John Oliviamor Estabillo, Brigadier General Manolito Orense, and Brigadier General Job Yucoco.
President Aquino was joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during the event. (MNS)