Outgoing AFP Chief Awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor

(PNA) — Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. was presented the Philippine Legion of Honor during his retirement ceremonies Friday morning.

The award was formally presented by President Benigno S. Aquino III during the testimonial honors and AFP change-of-command at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The Philippine Legion of Honor is the oldest of the three Senior Honors of the Republic of the Philippines. It is the Order of Defense Merit of the Philippines.

It is the highest honor that the President of the Philippines may grant an individual without the concurrence of Congress.

The award is granted to Catapang in recognition of his eminently meritorious and valuable service rendered in a position of major responsibility.

Catapang served the military for 38 years. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.

His retirement will officially take place Saturday after reaching the mandatory military age of 56.

Catapang was replaced by Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, a member of PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983.

The former was appointed as AFP chief last July 18, 2014.

Under the circumstances that the military has been facing, the overall goal of Catapang’s leadership is grounded through the institution’s internal security campaign which is to “claim the peace, progress, and prosperity that our country needs in order to achieve further development.”

Under his leadership, the military was urged to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, Bawal ABUSADO, Dapat ASINTADO.”

Under Catapang’s leadership, the AFP recorded many positive developments in most of its pursuits, particularly in internal security operations and its war against insurgency.

The AFP was also able to ensure that peace is no longer a dream but an attainable reality for the people of Mindanao with efforts against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), rogue members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Due to his effective leadership, the AFP is now focusing on modernization which includes expansion of maritime industry; advancement of aerospace industry; infrastructure development; production of firearms and ammunition, manufacturing of quality combat and military uniforms; and expansion of peacekeeping forces to play its role better in territorial and maritime defense in the future.

Meanwhile, Iriberri is now the 46th AFP chief. He served as the 56th commanding general of the Philippine Army since Feb.7, 2014.

He is known for his leadership, wealth of experience, and exemplary performance in all the high-level and sensitive positions he has handled, both in the Army and the AFP. (PNA) SCS/PFN