Davao City– Incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., said defeating the New People’s Army will be a priority once he assumes post this week.
In an interview with Tri- Media Organization for Peace and Alliance Incorporated, Madrigal said the task is doable as both the local and national government work together in combating the NPA threat.
“Defeating the NPA is not the only part of the campaign, it is also important to cut off their support system,” he said in Filipino.
Madrigal said agencies must start implementing a “culture of peace and development” and attend to the need of the people residing in the conflict-affected areas.
The incoming AFP chief is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985 and a classmate of outgoing military head, Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.
Madrigal, who is also the 51st AFP chief-of-staff, served notably as 4th Infantry Division commander, Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Mindanao Command chief.
His appointment as next AFP chief was approved last Dec. 5 by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as Galvez will be retiring on Dec. 12. Madrigal is set to retire on September 28, 2019.