The Philippine Army has installed a new vice commander and chief of staff (COS) in a minor movement at the headquarters, following the retirement of a senior officer.
Maj. Gen. Robert Arevalo was designated as the new vice commander of the Army, replacing Maj. Gen. Harold N. Cabreros, who retired on October 7.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay replaced Arevalo as the Army chief of staff in a ceremony held on Monday
Arevalo, an expert logistician, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class of 1985. He has a master’s degree in management.
Before his stint as the Army chief of staff, Arevalo was the commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, assistant chief of staff and assistant chief of staff for comptrollership. Gapay, a decorated officer, is topped the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986. He has a master’s degree in management.
Before his appointment as chief of staff, Gapay was the deputy commander of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, commander of the Joint Task Force Haribon that secured Davao City and the rest of Davao region, and spokesman for the martial-law implementation in Mindanao.
Gapay was also the assistant division commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division in 2016 and the Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.