Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, current commander of the Wstern Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), was named the next commanding general of the Philippine Army, the second Medal of Valor awardee to assume the largest service command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
(6th Infantry Division – Kampilan Facebook / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
He will take over Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay who was appointed as the next AFP Chief of Staff by President Duterte.
“Of course I am very happy to be selected to lead the Philippine Army. I consider this as a new challenge and I am very thankful to our Almighty, like what they say, God is so good and to God be the glory,” said Sobejana.
He plans on building the capability of the Philippine Army in terms of equipment and human resources, as well as come up with doctrine, techniques, tactics and procedures that will ensure victory for troopers deployed to the frontline.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1987, Sobejana received the coveted Medal of Valor as a newly-promoted captain in 1995 when he led his platoon against some 150 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in a battle that lasted more than four hours. Although heavily outnumbered and wounded, Sobejana continued to trade shots with ASG members until a bullet almost decapitated his right arm.
After surviving the battle and his injury, Sobejana continued his fight with the ASG, rescuing their local and foreign captives.
Asked to comment on the entire Army expecting a lot from him as a Medal of Valor awardee, Sobejana said: As they expect a lot from me, I am also expecting a lot from them in terms of commitment and dedication of doing our job.”