By Martin Sadongdong  The Philippine Army (PA) has designated a new commander for its Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) as it looks to strengthen its capabilities in addressing various threats that the country faces. Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay Jr., (right) turns over the flag of the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) to its new acting commander, Col. Romulo Manuel Jr., (left) in a change-of-command ceremony in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on Monday (Feb. 17, 2020). Manuel replaced Brig. Gen. Virgilio Bartolome (middle) who bowed out of the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office via PNA / MANILA BULLETIN) Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Army Commanding General, presided over the change of command between Colonel Romulo Manuel Jr., now the AAR acting commander, and the retired Brigadier General Virgilio Bartolome at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on Monday. Having a capable AAR chief proves crucial as Gapay said the regiment was at the forefront of the Army modernization in line with its Land Maneuver Concept to address external, internal, and hybrid threats. Programmed to receive new equipment, the AAR late last year created its additional Batteries on Multiple Launch Rocket System, Land Based Missile System, Air Defense Artillery, and Field Artillery. "Let us all work together as we adhere to our overall direction of sustaining the momentum in capacitating the army towards greater mission effectiveness," Gapay said. Manuel, prior to the turnover, was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs. He was a graduate of Business Administration and Public Management at Xavier University and Development Academy of the Philippines, respectively. He completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course and was sent to the US Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma to take the Captain’s Career Course, after which he served as the Department Head of the Field Artillery Department of Combat Arms School, TRADOC from 2001 to 2003. In 2005, he served as Military Liaison Officer and Training Adviser respectively outside the country. "His extensive training and accomplishments guarantee that he will serve with competence and distinction," Gapay said. Meanwhile, Bartolome will retire from active military service after 36 years. Gapay said that Bartolome has distinguished himself in the areas of artillery, logistics, and administration where he has held various command and staff positions. During his stint as commander in AAR, he also prioritized the welfare and morale of his troops, the Army Chief added. Manuel vowed to "ensure the continuity of the initiatives" that Bartolome has put in place and "pursue it with earnest commitment."