MANILA, Philippines – Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr will be the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Malacañang announced on Thursday, April 5.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told this to reporters during a sudden press briefing in the Palace grounds on Thursday evening.

Galvez will take the place of AFP chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, who is retiring on April 24, after Duterte extended his term by 4 months. Galvez is set to retire in December.

Roque also said Galvez will take his oath as new AFP chief on April 18, also the date when incoming Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde will take his oath.

The 55-year-old officer brings to the post a rich combat and administrative experience dealing with threat groups in some conflict areas in the country, as the Duterte administration strives to implement a  4-year-old peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

As Westmincom chief, Galvez was among the generals on the ground during the Marawi siege.

Before Westmincom, Galvez had served as the commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao. He was then tasked to protect the government’s ceasefire with the MILF based in the province, and to deal with various peace spoilers such as the MILF breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985. – Rappler.com