Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr Appointed As Next AFP Chief

Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. has been appointed as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) replacing General Emmanuel T. Bautista who is set to retire on Friday, July 18.

A member of Philippine Military Academy ‘Dimalupig’ Class 1981, LtGen. Catapang is currently acting as the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP, a position he held since May. He was the former Commander of the Northern Luzon Command​ and​ 7th Infantry Division. 

There will be a Testimonial Parade and Review on Friday at the General Headquarters parade ground in honor of outgoing Chief of Staff General Bautista, followed by a Change of Command Ceremony to be attended by AFP Commander in Chief and President Benigno S. Aquino III.