The Philippine Army (PA) installed a new Acting Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (G7) in a change of chief of office ceremony on January 20, 2023 at Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
During the said ceremony, Army Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba led the turnover of leadership to the incoming acting chief Col. Victor M. Llapitan from outgoing chief Col. Patricio Ruben P. Amata.
Prior to the post, Col. Llapitan served as the Deputy of OG7. He also held key positions throughout his career such as Group Commander of the 3rd Army Training Group, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC); Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans (G5), TRADOC; Commandant of ROTC unit of the 6th Regional Community Defense Group (6RCDG), Reserve Command, Philippine Army (RCPA); and Commander of 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division (3ID). Col. Llapitan belongs to the PMA "Maalab" Class of 1993. He holds two master's degrees – a Master's in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines and a Master's in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO Col. Amata will assume as the Commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (10ID). Col. Amata is also a member of PMA Class of 1993 and has a Master's in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines. He held leadership roles as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID); Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G2), 10ID; and Commander, 73rd Infantry Battalion, 10ID.
Brig. Gen. Camba, in his keynote speech, called on the G7 personnel, now led by Col. Llapitan, to always evoke good character and values in the office. “Teamwork, dedication, and cooperation are needed in the completion of our missions. First, we should always seek the protection and guidance of the Almighty. Second, carry on our dedication for the service, and third, discipline yourself in the Army,” emphasized Brig. Gen. Camba during the ceremony.
Photos: Pfc Rodgen Quirante, Philippine Army