President Rodrigo Duterte offered a government position for the newly- retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay.

In his speech during the change of command and retirement ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday, Duterte asked Gapay to choose if he wants to take the position at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) or at the Department of National Defense.

"Let me extend my warmest congratulations to General Gilbert Gapay for your successful tour of duty as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he said.

"Sir, after tonight you might want, you might opt to take the MWSS vacated by General (Emmanuel) Salamat or you might also choose to be with your, in your home ground the DND. It’s your choice," he added.

Gapay, who reached his retirement age of 56, was replaced by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana as AFP Chief of Staff.

Duterte said Gapay has "commendably steered the men and women of the AFP towards our goal of eliminating insurgency and securing our sovereignty."

"When our nation faced a daunting public health crisis last year, you inspired your troops to risk their lives to contain the pandemic and providing essential humanitarian assistance to our people," he said.

"Your example of hard work and excellence has set a high standard not only for you and those around you, but most especially for the institution’s future leadership, the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added.

Duterte expressed confidence with Sobejana, the first Medal of Valor awardee to become AFP chief.

"On this note, I enjoin our troops, under the leadership of the incoming Chief of Staff, to continue being vigilant and proactive in performing your duties," he said.

"I am confident that under Lt. General Sobejana’s leadership, the AFP will achieve even more milestones in its campaign to address insurgency and terror, and put an end to all these threats to our national security", he added.

In his speech, Sobejana told Duterte that he will do his "best to be on top of the situation at all times".

Duterte assured the military troops "of the government’s full support for the promotion of your improved welfare, as well as the upgrading of your capabilities in securing the safety of our people."

"It is my hope that this new beginning will ensure a more fruitful collaboration as we strive to be a source of great moral strength for our people," he said.

"As keepers of peace and order, you are instrumental in building a safe environment where our people can live without fear from lawless elements," said Duterte.

"Through our joint efforts in building the road to recovery during the pandemic, I am confident that we will move closer in achieving our shared aspirations for a better and stronger Philippines," he added. Robina Asido/DMS