Gilbert Gapay

[3][4][5] He was born at La Paz, Tarlac on February 4, 1965, and finished high school at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

[6] He spent a year at the ADMU studying Bachelor of Business Management, before he successfully entered the PMA in 1982 and is a member of the Sinagtala Class of 1986.

A record tied to Cadet Eckwood Solomon of Florida, USA, who also graduated in the PMA in 1963 and received 13 awards.

He also led the 52nd Mechanized Infantry Company of the Light Armor Brigade during the Battle of Camp Abubakar as part of the "All Out War" Operations against the MILF in 2000.

[2] He was also a member of a team of AFP Officers under then-AFP Chief General Emmanuel T. Bautista, where he helped conceptualize the Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan Operations" concept (ISSP), where he made major contributions on combating counterinsurgency through local dialogues, and creating more peaceful communities that allows the AFP and former rebels contribute to the overall local development in the country.

He was replaced by the Chief of the Philippine Army and Medal of Valor awardee, Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana.