MANILA, Philippines – Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, commanding general of the Philippine Army, formally took over as chief of staff of the Armed Forces in a simple ceremony today at the AFP grandstand.

The first part of the ceremony was the testimonial review in honor of the outgoing chief of staff, General Jessie Dellosa. The event was highlighted by the awarding of the Philippine Legion of Honor in the degree of chief commander to Dellosa for his performance as AFP chief of staff.

President Aquino presided over the testimonial review, followed by the change of command ceremony where Dellosa formally relinquished the command to Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

Bautista is the 44th chief of staff of the AFP. He was previously the 54th commanding general of the Philippine Army.

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Bautista belongs to the “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.