Benjamin Madrigal is next AFP chief; Carlito Galvez to OPAPP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte has named Army Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), replacing Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who is retiring on Dec. 12.

Galvez will in turn assume leadership of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The President authorized Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to announce Madrigal’s promotion during the Cabinet meeting Tuesday night.

Madrigal served as commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade in Mati, Davao Oriental, then became assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division (ID) in Mawab, Compostela Valley.

He was commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th ID in Camp Evangelista in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Described as a “mission-focused leader,” Madrigal was credited for sustaining peace and preventing terrorism in Davao and Caraga regions as well as parts of Northern and Southern Mindanao.

Madrigal will reportedly assume as AFP chief during turnover ceremonies on Dec. 10 or two days before Galvez’s birthday on Dec. 12.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Sandiwa Class of 1985, Madrigal was former commander of the Southern Luzon Command in Camp General Nakar in Lucena City.  

Madrigal was designated Eastmincom commander in November 2017.

In a chance interview in Malacañang, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año hinted at Madrigal’s appointment.

“Most likely it’s Madrigal because he is the most senior, qualified in experience and the best. Madrigal worked with me when he was still a lieutenant, he’s really good,” said Año, also a former AFP chief.

Life after retirement

Galvez had previously told former OPAPP chief Jesus Dureza about his desire to be a consultant for OPAPP.

Galvez was chairman of the government’s Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities before taking over as AFP chief of staff.

His service record showed 12 years in Mindanao, during which he visited rebel lairs where soldiers were often killed, earning these areas the tag “point of no return.” – With Christina Mendez