Alfonso Arellano Explained

Alfonso Arellano
Office:Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Term Start:December 29, 1956
Term End:July 1, 1957
Predecessor:Jesus Vargas
Successor:Manuel Cabal
President:Carlos P. Garcia
Ramon Magsaysay
Branch:Philippine Army
Philippine Constabulary
Battles:World War II
Hukbalahap Campaign
Awards:Legion of Merit
Office1:Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
Termstart1:July 1, 1956
Termend1:December 1957
Predecessor1:Eulogio Balao
Successor1:Manuel Cabal
President1:Ramon Magsaysay
Office2:Commanding General, Philippine Army
Termstart2:December 29, 1954
Termend2:July 1, 1956
President2:Ramon Magsaysay
Predecessor2:Jesus Vargas
Successor2:Leoncio Tan
Birth Date:March 12, 1905
Birth Place:Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Philippine Islands
Spouse:Josephine Arzabal[1]
Alma Mater:Philippine Constabulary Academy (1929)
Birth Name:Alfonso Viterbo Arellano
Parents:Silvino Viterbo ArellanoSaturnina Viloria Viterbo
Serviceyears:1929 - 1957
Occupation:Soldier
Profession:Soldier
Allegiance: Philippines
Appointer:President Ramon Magsaysay
Deputy:Manuel Cabal
Succeeded:Manuel Cabal

Alfonso Viterbo Arellano 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]

Early years and education

Arellano 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

Arellano, 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 serving. The road in gate 6 of Fort Bonifacio was named after him for his honor.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Philippine Officials Review . 1967 . M & M Publications . 262 . 28 November 2023 . en.
  2. News: Veterans assembly in Manila Dec. 7-11 . 28 November 2023 . Manila Standard . 6 December 1988 . en.
  3. News: Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . 28 November 2023 . Official Gazette of the Philippines.
  4. Web site: Alfonso Arellano - Recipient - . 2023-11-22 . valor.militarytimes.com . en.
  5. Book: Young . Donald J. . The Battle of Bataan: A Complete History, 2d ed. . 21 October 2009 . McFarland . 978-0-7864-5372-6 . 197 . 28 November 2023 . en.