Profile: New AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Punzalan Catapang Jr.

From AngMalaya (Jul 18): Profile: New AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Punzalan Catapang Jr.

AFP – Lieutenant General Catapang assumed the post as the 42nd Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on May 16, 2014. Prior to this, he served as the 24th Commander of the Northern Luzon Command, AFP starting July 5, 2013.

Some of his professional military training include: Intel Officers Basic Course at the SITS, ISAFP in 1982; Infantry Officers Advance Course at Combat Arms School, TCPA in 1992; Command and General Staff Course at the Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Bonifacio in 2002; Australian and Military Familiarization Course and ADC Preparation Course at the Defence International Training Center in Australia, in 2005; Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defence College in 2006; Symposium on National Security and Strategy at NDU, PLA, China in 2007; and Change Management Workshop and Strategic Communications at the Australian Defense Coop Program in 2008.
He moved on with his career carrying an excellent standard of performance, fine leadership, and a keen vision that resulted in accomplishments, both in garrison and field tours of duty. He held positions of major responsibility, such as: Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, Commander, 703Bde, 7ID, PA from September 6, 2010 to October 3, 2012; Battalion Commander of 28IB, 4ID, PA from November 20 1999 to March 3, 2001; Battalion Commander of HHSBn, 4ID, PA from March 3, 2001 to December 17, 2001; Ac of S for Operations, G3, 8ID, PA from July 16 2002 to February 1, 2003; ACUCS for CMO, U7, NOLCOM, AFP in February 19 2003 to May 12 2003; ACUCS for Operations, U3, NOLCOM, AFP from May 12, 2003 to October 24, 2005; and Chief of Unified Command Staff, NOLCOM, AFP on May 15, 2005 to Oct 24, 2005.

His achievements and his service have been duly recognized through the awards and commendations he has received, such as: Two Distinguished Service Star Awards; three Gold Cross Medals; five Outstanding Achievement Medals; one Bronze Cross Medal; sixteen Military Merit Medals and Military Commendation Medals; three Combat “Kagitingan” Badges; various Letters of Commendation and Badges.

Lieutenant General Catapang was born on July 11, 1959 in Manila. He spent his primary and secondary education in Claret School, Manila. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/18/2345-profile-new-afp-chief-of-staff-lieutenant-general-gregorio-pio-punzalan-catapang-jr