Duterte names PH Army’s Sobejana as next AFP chief

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has picked Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana as the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Malacañang announced Wednesday.
“We are confident that General Sobejana will continue to modernize our military and undertake reform initiatives to make the Armed Forces truly professional in its mandate as the protector of the people and the State,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
“We wish General Sobejana all the best in his new tour of duty as we pray for his success,” he added.
Sobejana succeeds General Gilbert Gapay, who is set to bow out of service as he reaches the mandatory age retirement of 56 next week.
Gapay took the post in August 2020 after also leading the Philippine Army.
Sobejana is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987.
He has been awarded the Medal of Valor, the country’s highest military honor for his bravery during a 1995 gun battle against Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan.
Sobejana then led various units including the 1st Scout Ranger Company, recognized as Best Company in 1994; 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, awarded as Best Battalion in 2009; 601st Infantry Brigade, named Best Brigade in 2016; and 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, awarded as Best Division in 2018.
He also served as the Commandant of the Scout Ranger Training School; Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Group (now Regiment), Philippine Army; Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu; Commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, Philippine Army.
He also served as Commander of AFP Western Mindanao Command.
In May 2019, Duterte bestowed him the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Legionnaire), for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service rendered to the Philippine Government, particularly to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, according to the Philippine Army’s website.