• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines donned ranks to the newly promoted generals, including Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, on January 23, in a ceremony presided by AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Aside from Arevalo, the commander of the AFP Visayas Command, other new promotes were Lt. Gen Stephen Parreño, commanding general of the Philippine Air Force and Brig. Gen Leodigario Macalintal, AFP deputy Inspector General.
As the AFP Visayas Command chief, Arevalo is currently supervising two Army infantry divisions, the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy in Visayas.
The donning of ranks ceremony is a time-honored tradition that celebrates and acknowledges the commitment, excellence and leadership capabilities of those who advance in their military careers.
“It is also a profound reminder that our Institution is dynamic, where the men and women behind it are constantly evolving towards attaining higher accomplishments and dedication year after year in their lifetime career of serving the people and country,” Centino said in a statement.
There is no word yet regarding the successor of Arevalo as commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Jamindan, Capiz.
However, Arevalo earlier said that Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, outgoing commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade in Panay Island, is expected to assume the position as Assistant Division Commander of 3ID.*
