Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who hails from the southern town of Zamboanguita, will move up to chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Feb. 4.
Sobejana, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, was handpicked by President Duterte to replace Gen. Gilbert Gapay who is set to retire upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 in February.
“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 protector of the people and the State,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.
“We wish General Sobejana all the best in his new tour of duty as we pray for his success,” he added.
Sobejana is a medal of valor awardee for his role in January 1995 in an encounter with at least 150 Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sitio Caro in barangay Lower Kapayawan in Isabela, Basilan.
He was then commanding officer of the 1st Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment of the Philippine Army.
He also served as commandant of the Scout Ranger Training School, the Joint Task Force Sulu, the 6th Infantry Division, and the Western Mindanao Command, which, under his helm, were all recognized as the best units.
