A veteran of the military’s anti-terrorism campaign in Mindanao and one of the more “famous” members of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987 formally assumed the helm of the Army’s leadership on Tuesday.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana was installed as the new commanding general of the Army from his previous post as commander of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command during a ceremony at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Sobejana, a Medal of Valor awardee, succeeded Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, who assumed as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, replacing retired Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.
The new Army commander is the only second Medal of Valor awardee after Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, who also led the Army during the term of former President Noynoy Aquino III.
“We are gathered here to witness this event, the changing of the guard of the Philippine Army, the premier service of the AFP,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during the ceremony.
“Expectations will be high on both. The command will be looking at the new commander for leadership and inspiration. The commander, on the other hand, will be expecting no less than full cooperation from his men,” he added.
Sobejana is known for his exploits as a battle-scarred soldier and is considered as one of the country’s living heroes for his Medal of Valor award, the highest military honor bestowed for “demonstrating bravery and sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty.”
As a junior officer, he had commanded different units of the 1st Scout Ranger Company and the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, units adjudged as Best Company and Best Battalion, respectively, during Sobejano’s stint.
He had also served as the commandant of the Scout Ranger Training School.
Sobejana also commanded the Joint Task Force Sulu, the 6th Infantry Division and the Western Mindanao Command, which were all recognized as the best units under his helm.
The Army commander is known for leading the Rangers in hours of a bloody and decisive fight with an overwhelming number of Abu Sayyaf Group members in Basilan in 1995.