Alfonso Viterbo Arellano (March 12, 1905 – June 1, 1957) was a Filipino army officer who served as AFP Chief of Staff[2] from 1956 to 1958. He was a World War II veteran and decorated soldier. He was appointed by President Ramon Magsaysay[3] a fellow WW II hero.[4]
Alfonso Arellano | |
|---|---|
| Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines | |
| In office December 29, 1956 – July 1, 1957 | |
| Appointed by | President Ramon Magsaysay |
| President | Carlos P. Garcia Ramon Magsaysay |
| Deputy | Manuel Cabal |
| Preceded by | Jesus Vargas |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Cabal |
| Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines | |
| In office July 1, 1956 – December 1957 | |
| President | Ramon Magsaysay |
| Preceded by | Eulogio Balao |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Cabal |
| Commanding General, Philippine Army | |
| In office December 29, 1954 – July 1, 1956 | |
| President | Ramon Magsaysay |
| Preceded by | Jesus Vargas |
| Succeeded by | Leoncio S. Tan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Alfonso Viterbo Arellano March 12, 1905 Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Philippine Islands |
| Died | June 1, 1957 (aged 52) |
| Spouse | Josephine Arzabal[1] |
| Parent | Silvino Viterbo Arellano Saturnina Viloria Viterbo |
| Alma mater | Philippine Constabulary Academy (1929) |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Awards | Legion of Merit[1] |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Philippines United States of America |
| Branch/service | Philippine Army Philippine Constabulary |
| Years of service | 1929 - 1957 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars | World War II Hukbalahap Campaign |
Early years and education
editArellano was born on March 12, 1905,[1] in Talavera, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines to father Silvino Viterbo Arellano and mother Saturnina Viloria Viterbo. He took an entrance exam to Philippine Constabulary Academy and passed it, got admitted the same 1927 and graduated in 1929.
World war II and post war
editArellano, then Captain, commanded 41st Field Artillery Battalion[5] under 41st Infantry Division of General Vicente Lim during battle of Bataan. He was a POW after Bataan force was surrendered by General King in April 1942 and was in the Bataan Death March.[1] He was released within the year and subsequently joined guerilla unit to harass Japanese force until General MacArthur returns.
After the war he resume his military career with Philippine Army and became its commanding general in 1954 and subsequently appointed as Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff in 1956 Chief of Staff 1957. He worked tirelessly in reorganizing, recruitment, and making the Armed Forces of the Philippines professional soldiers but it took toll in his health, and he died in July 1957 while still in office. The road in gate 6 of Fort Bonifacio was named after him for his honor.
References
edit- ^ a b c d The Philippine Officials Review. M & M Publications. 1967. p. 262. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
- ^ "Veterans assembly in Manila Dec. 7-11". Manila Standard. 6 December 1988. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
- ^ "Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines". Official Gazette of the Philippines. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
- ^ "Alfonso Arellano - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ Young, Donald J. (21 October 2009). The Battle of Bataan: A Complete History, 2d ed. McFarland. p. 197. ISBN 978-0-7864-5372-6. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
See also
edit- Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
- Commanding General Philippine Army
- 41st Infantry Division (Philippines)
- PMA Top Graduates
- PMA Class in AFP Position