Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, a Medal for Valor awardee formally assumed leadership of the Philippine Army here on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. (Photo credit: PA)
CALOOCAN CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) – Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, a Medal for Valor awardee formally assumed leadership of the Philippine Army on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
In a Change of Command Ceremony, National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, led the turnover of leadership from newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay to Sobejana.
“We are gathered here to witness this event, the changing of the guard of the Philippine Army, the premiere service of the AFP,” 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.
Known for his combat exploits, Sobejana started his military career in 1983 and graduated as a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
He is considered as one of the country’s living heroes, being a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest military honor bestowed for demonstrating bravery and sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty when he fought Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 1995.
He commanded different units of the Army most notably the 1st Scout Ranger Company and the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion where both units were adjudged as Best Company and Best Battalion, respectively during his stint.
He also served as the Commandant of the Scout Ranger Training School, First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR); and as Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Group. He later served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, PA and then commanded the 601st Infantry Brigade, the Joint Task Force “Sulu”, and the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.
In 2013, he was sent in the truce line between Syria and Israel as the first Filipino to become the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. Prior to his assumption as Army Commanding General, he served as Commander of the Western Mindanao Command since June 2019.
In May 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte bestowed him the award of Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer), for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service rendered to the Philippine government, particularly to the Armed Forces of The Philippines. And in July 2019, the first parliament of Bangsamoro Transition Authority of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) passed resolution NR 18, commending Sobejana for his unwavering support in the peace process and commitment in bringing peace in the Bangsamoro Homeland.
Sobejana emphasized the Army’s key role in maintaining peace and hampering terrorism through the Anti-Terrorism Law.
“The attainment of peace is a collaborative people-empowered undertaking. It must involve the commitment and support of the community, the government, the private sector, including our stakeholders and other members of the uniformed service, all working to attain the common good and interest and service of others,” Sobejana said.
“As soldiers of the Republic of the Philippines, we are public servants; the protector of the Filipino people and defenders of our territory. We must do our job,” he added.
CALOOCAN CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) – Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, a Medal for Valor awardee formally assumed leadership of the Philippine Army on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
In a Change of Command Ceremony, National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, led the turnover of leadership from newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay to Sobejana.
“We are gathered here to witness this event, the changing of the guard of the Philippine Army, the premiere service of the AFP,” 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.
Known for his combat exploits, Sobejana started his military career in 1983 and graduated as a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
He is considered as one of the country’s living heroes, being a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest military honor bestowed for demonstrating bravery and sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty when he fought Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 1995.
He commanded different units of the Army most notably the 1st Scout Ranger Company and the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion where both units were adjudged as Best Company and Best Battalion, respectively during his stint.
He also served as the Commandant of the Scout Ranger Training School, First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR); and as Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Group. He later served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, PA and then commanded the 601st Infantry Brigade, the Joint Task Force “Sulu”, and the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.
In 2013, he was sent in the truce line between Syria and Israel as the first Filipino to become the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. Prior to his assumption as Army Commanding General, he served as Commander of the Western Mindanao Command since June 2019.
In May 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte bestowed him the award of Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer), for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service rendered to the Philippine government, particularly to the Armed Forces of The Philippines. And in July 2019, the first parliament of Bangsamoro Transition Authority of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) passed resolution NR 18, commending Sobejana for his unwavering support in the peace process and commitment in bringing peace in the Bangsamoro Homeland.
Sobejana emphasized the Army’s key role in maintaining peace and hampering terrorism through the Anti-Terrorism Law.
“The attainment of peace is a collaborative people-empowered undertaking. It must involve the commitment and support of the community, the government, the private sector, including our stakeholders and other members of the uniformed service, all working to attain the common good and interest and service of others,” Sobejana said.
“As soldiers of the Republic of the Philippines, we are public servants; the protector of the Filipino people and defenders of our territory. We must do our job,” he added.
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