Army dons star ranks to newly promoted generals

01 Oct 18 Donning of ranksFORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- The Philippine Army donned star ranks to two newly promoted Brigadier Generals during the flag raising ceremony held here today, October 1, 2018.

Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, the Commanding General, Philippine Army conferred the star ranks to Brig. Gen. Ignacio B. Madriaga and Brig. Gen. Ramil M. Bitong. The ceremony was witnessed by the Officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the Command together with the families of the newly promoted generals.

“As you savor the honor and pride that comes from that star, remember that the coveted star on your shoulders also demands greater responsibilities. It is just in time that you are promoted since there is still a lot that has to be done especially now that we are in full gear towards our transformation roadmap,” said Lt. Gen. Bautista in his message.

The Commanding General also emphasized to the newly promoted generals some principles that he personally coined through the acronym STAR (Stay humble, Take care of your men, Adhere to the constitution and chain of command, and Responsibility).

Brig. Gen. Madriaga is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. He is an intelligence officer with a Masters in Strategic Security Studies. He also obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Management Studies.

Brig. Gen. Madriaga first field exposure was with the 7th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army way back in 1989 as Platoon Leader of Bravo Company. Later on he was assigned in various posts in Visayas and Mindanao until he moved at the General Headquarters, AFP in 1999. Subsequently he became the Commanding Officer of the 41st Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division in 2010. He was also designated as the Chief of Staff of the 5th Infantry Division. Currently, he is the Brigade Commander of the 302nd Infantry “Achiever” Brigade of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division in Western Visayas.

On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Bitong is a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989. He is an intelligence officer and an expert in international security and anti-terrorism. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Management and in Strategic Security Studies.

Brig. Gen. Bitong spent the early stages of his military career fighting insurgency in Visayas. He was first assigned as platoon leader of Charlie Company, 52nd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division in 1990. Later on he held various positions such as Executive Officer, Company Commander, and Civil-military Officer of the same unit. By 1996, he was assigned at the Philippine Army headquarters where he worked and exposed in the field of intelligence, personnel management, training, and operations. Currently, he is the Commander of the 803rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division in Eastern Visayas.

Lt. Gen. Bautista also gave recognition to the families of the newly promoted generals. He said that the untiring support of the families is what provides the new generals motivation and inspiration to give their best selfless service to the nation.#

01 Oct 18 Donning of ranks 1

01 Oct 18 Donning of ranks 2