MANILA – Lieutenant General Roy Galido, a seasoned veteran who spent the bulk of his career in in Mindanao, was officially installed as the 66th Chief of the Philippine Army on Monday, August 7.
In his new capacity, the Army’s new leader emphasized his commitment to enhancing the skills of soldiers and ensuring their holistic well-being.
Addressing attendees during the Philippine Army’s change of command ceremony in Taguig City, Galido articulated his vision: “Let us produce soldiers who are not just skilled in the tools of violence and managing violent environments, but soldiers who can also be future civil servants and skilled workers so that they will not fall victim to the soldiers of fortune syndrome.”
Prior to becoming Army chief, Galido was the commander of Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom)
Taking over from General Romeo Brawner Jr., who now heads the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Galido assumes a critical role in guiding the Army strategies, a force of 110,000 soldiers.
He stressed the significance of family welfare in maintaining the morale of personnel, reflecting on his personal loss. “I don’t want the soldiers to experience what I experienced in 1990 when my brother went home,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., present at the ceremony, expressed confidence in Galido’s leadership. Marcos acknowledged Galido’s work as head of the Western Mindanao Command, further underscoring the essential role he played in securing the Mindanao region.
Marcos expressed optimism in overcoming challenges under Galido’s command. “I look forward to working with you further and I am confident that you will guide the Army to reach more milestones in our campaign to end in our country the insurgency and [terrorism] threat, as well as to address the lingering and emerging threats to… our national security,” Marcos said.
Galido also emphasized the mental well-being of soldiers, aligning with Brawner’s priorities. Brawner highlighted that in addition to strengthening defense and combat capabilities, the welfare of soldiers and their families remains paramount.
