ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido relinquishes his post to another officer today, Thursday, barely two years after taking the helm of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army.
Authorities have yet to announce the successor of Galido, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1990, who assumed the post of Army chief on August 7, 2023.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military leadership recommended five officials to succeed Galido.
Brawner did not name the five officers but said they are all “very qualified” to lead the Philippine Army. He said there was still no official word from higher authorities on who would succeed Galido.
Brawner, a former Army chief himself, said he is looking forward to working with the incoming chief of the Philippine Army.
“It’s important for us to have a good working relationship because the Army is the largest (major service) of our Armed Forces,” said Brawner.
The two other major services of the Armed Forces are the Navy and the Air Force.
Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned several officers who are said to be being considered as the next Army chief.
They include AFP Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, and AFP Visayas Command commander Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg.
Under the law, the commanders of major services (Army, Air Force, Navy) and the superintendent of the PMA have a maximum tour of duty of two consecutive years unless terminated sooner by the President.
They are not eligible to hold another position in the military unless promoted to the position of Armed Forces chief.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the change of command ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
It will be presided over by President Marcos Jr, the military’s commander-in-chief.
Dema-ala, however, could not immediately say who will be the 67th commanding general of the Philippine Army.
All lieutenant generals and major generals of the Army are qualified to succeed Galido.
“At this time, the Philippine Army cannot confirm the identity of the incoming commanding general, as no official announcement has been made,” said Dema-ala.
“The name of the new Army Chief will be released only upon formal declaration by the appropriate authorities,” said Dema-ala.
Dema-ala said the ceremony will mark the retirement of Galido as a military officer.
He said Galido led the Army “with distinction” since August 2023.
Dema-ala said the Army, under Galido’s watch, “bolstered its pivot to external defense operations, prioritized soldier welfare, and recalibrated its strategic direction.”
“Lt. Gen. Galido’s tenure was defined by institutional reforms, operational excellence, and efforts to close key capability gaps,” he added.
“He guided the Army’s continuous transformation to effectively respond to the evolving demands of national defense and regional security,” said Dema-ala.
On Tuesday, the Army hosted a testimonial dinner at the Army Officers’ Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio in honor of Galido.
In his address, Galido thanked Army personnel for their support in the implementation of his thrusts and programs.
“Thank you for your loyalty, professionalism and tireless dedication to service. Whatever accomplishments I may be credited with are a reflection of your hard work and teamwork,” said Galido.
He said it was an honor to serve the country, lead soldiers and protect the Filipino people.
“I will forever treasure this duty, this privilege, this life,” said Galido.
