(Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)
MANILA – Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, has lauded the Philippine Navy (PN) and the rest of the military for a job well done during his term.
Gapay made the remark during his farewell visit to the Philippine Fleet and Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) at Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City Wednesday.
"(A) job well done and (thank you) for all your support, cooperation, services, and sacrifices rendered during my stint as the Chief of Staff,” he said.
Gapay, who assumed the military's top post in August last year, will retire from the service on Thursday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. He will be replaced by Army commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.
He assumed his duties as AFP chief last August 3. replacing Gen. Filemon T. Santos.
“As I retire, I will retire happy, proud, and (content) knowing that the Navy and the Armed Forces will be left with good leaders and good men and women with solid camaraderie… continue doing your job with utmost professionalism and commitment,” he added.
Sailors and marines accorded Gapay fitting honors upon his arrival as tribute and recognition of his invaluable and selfless service rendered to the Filipino people.
He also witnessed a capability demonstration at NAVSOCOM’s Airborne Ground.
During his visit, Gapay also had a dialogue with PN senior leaders led Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo and a "Talk to Troops" where he addressed the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources aboard the Philippine Fleet and other naval units via video teleconferencing. (PNA)
