Why they call Gen Catapang ‘Napakatapang

Mar T. Supnad

Newly-appointed Chief of Staff Lt General Gregorio PioCatapang, Jr., is tagged in the military as "So brave" ( Napakatapang) since his surname alone depicts that he is really a brave soldier.

But from time to time, the three-star general has always been explaining to his soldiers that he is not as brave as they think he is.

"Matapang ako sa pakikibaka sa mga kaaway ng pamahalaan at mabagsik sa mga abusadong sundalo; pero mabait ako sa mga kasama lalo na sa mga gumagawa ng tama at tumutupad sa tungkulin," Gen Catapang told this correspondent. 

Catapang was appointed Wednesday by President Aquino as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff after Gen. Emmanuel Bautista retired from the service Friday upon reaching the mandatory age of 56.

A graduate of PMA "Dimalupig" class 1981, Catapang was born on July 11, 1959 in Manila. 

He spent his primary and secondary education in Claret School, Manila. 

Catapang assumed the position as the 21th Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army on 03 October 2012.

Some of his professional military training includes: Intel Officers Basic Course at the SITS, ISAFP in 1982; Infantry Officers Advance Course at Combat Arms School, TCPA in 1992; Command and General Staff Course at the Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila in 2002; Australian and Military Familiarization Course and ADC Preparation Course at Defence International Training Center, Australia in 2005; Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defence College in 2006; Symposium on National Security and Strategy at NDU, PLA, China in 2007 and Change Management Workshop and Strategic Communications with the Australian DefenceCoop Program in 2008.  

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As a dynamic and aggressive officer, he moved on with his career carrying excellent standard of performance, fine leadership and keen vision that resulted in remarkable accomplishments in both of his garrison and field tours of duty.  

Prior to his assumption of post as AFP chief, he was the Vice Chief of staff, became the 7Th Infantry Division (ID) Commander, and had significant assignments such as positions of   Commander, 703Bde, 7ID, PA from 06 Sep 2010 to 03 Oct 2012.

His positions of major responsibility includes Battalion Commander of 28IB, 4ID, PA from 20 Nov 1999 to 03 Mar 2001, Battalion Commander of HHSBn, 4ID, PA from 03 Mar 2001 to 17 Dec 2001, Ac of S for Operations, G3, 8ID, PA from 16 Jul 2002 to 01 Feb 2003, ACUCS for CMO, U7, NOLCOM, AFP in 19 Feb 2003 to 12 May 2003, ACUCS for Operations, U3, NOLCOM, AFP from 12 May 2003 to 24 Oct 2005, Chief of Unified Command Staff, NOLCOM, AFP on 15 May 2005 to 24 Oct 2005,  

His remarkable accomplishments were 16 military merit medals including the three gold cross medals, the highest but rare medals being given to a soldier for utmost bravery, and numerous military commendations, letters of commendations and badges. 

He is also a recipient of one bronze cross medal, five outstanding achievement medals and two distinguished service star awards and three combat “Kagitingan” badges.

When he was a Lt Colonel, Catapang was designated as commanding officer of a battalion in Mindanao, a position most feared if not hated by his fellow officers because the battalion is located right at the center of two camps of MNLF and MILF.

" Itinalaga akong CO ditong mga boss ko. So I had to comply. At may katwiran ng inaaayawan ng mga ibang opisyal dahil pagbaba na pag baba ko pa lang sa kampo ay pinasalubongan na akong mga mortar at nakakabinging pagsabog sa magkabilang kampo ng mga rebelde. Laban na," recalled Catapang when he invited this writer one time for  lunch.

Unknown to many, Catapang who was then a young captain, was one of the few young military officers who defended Malacanang during a coup d etat under Pres Cory Aquino. He is dubbed actually “living hero.”

"Kilala ko sya dahil hindi lang matapang talagasi General Catapang kundi ang pogi pa sya noon dahilakonagko cover sa EDSA 1," recalled Ms Nitz Trinidad, former city editor of Manila Bulletin.

 Catapang is happily married to Vilma V Catapang and they are blessed with three sons, Rafael Andre Louis Carlos, Gabriel, Mikhael and daughter Ysabel.