PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has designated Lt. Gen. Roy Galido as the Army chief, vice Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. who assumed command as Armed Forces chief over a week ago.
The Department of National Defense announced the designation of Galido, the current commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) based in Zamboanga City, yesterday afternoon.
“With Lt. Gen. Galido at the helm, the Philippine Army will undoubtedly and excellently pursue the strategic path set by the commander-in-chief (President Marcos Jr.) in pursuit of the country’s stability amid the changing security landscape,” said DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong.
Galido, reached for comment, said: “Well, I am happy to serve and very much, really elated with the decision of our President. I assure him that I will ensure that his plans for the AFP and the country will be in sync with our (Army) activities.”
The appointment of Galido, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class 1990, as Army chief came six months after he took over Wesmincom commander.
Wesmincom is supervising the campaign against various terrorist groups in western Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Before taking over Wesmincom commander last January, Galido was the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, which is leading the fight against the BIFF and other terror groups in central Mindanao.
Galido has held other key positions in the military prior to that, including Army inspector general, and commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade.
“His extensive experience and well-honed skills resulted in the significant victories of his command against lawless elements, especially in Mindanao,” said Andolong.
It was not known when Galido will officially take the helm of the Army from Brawner, who assumed command as Armed Forces chief last July 21, vice now-retired Gen. Andres Centino, who has been designated as the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea
Army spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is still awaiting information from higher authorities as to when the change of command ceremony will take place.
“Definitely, we welcome the designation or the appointment of Lt. Gen. Galido (as Army chief),” said Trinidad.
