CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines installed Brigadier General Gabriel C Viray III PA as the new Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7 on Thursday, 02 June 2022. Brig. Gen. Viray III replaced Maj. Gen. Nolasco A Mempin who assumed as the Commander of the 10th Infantry Division in February.
"Taking the helm of OJ7 is one of a lifetime experience. It provides me an opportunity to lead a highly motivated team, and an opportunity to serve our organization – the AFP, our stakeholders, the community that we engage in, and our country in general," Brig. Gen. Viray said.
"May God continue to grant me the wisdom to perform my duty in leading and inspiring my team members to accomplish our task," Brig. Gen. Viray added.
Brig. Gen. Viray III is also the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for CMO and has been the acting J7 prior his formal assumption.
He also held various command and staff positions, including as Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Chief of the Unified Command Staff of Eastern Mindanao Command, and Deputy Brigade Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, and Chief of the AFP Peace and Development Center.
BGen Viray is a recipient of 63 military awards and decorations including the Distinguished Service Star Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal, Military Achievement Medal, Silver Wing Medal, United Nations Medal, Military Merit Medal, and the Military Commendation Medal.
He was also awarded two Certificates of Honor and six Certificates of Merit for Academic Excellence in his various schoolings as well as numerous Letters of Commendation and Appreciation from both military and civilian institutions.
"As the former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, AJ7 for almost two years, BGen Bong Viray had first-hand experience and knowledge of the challenges that beset the AFP at the height of the pandemic and being inundated by several natural calamities. Hence, the AFP has chosen the best leader to steer the OJ7 to surpass its previous achievements" said Vice Admiral Rommel Anthony SD Reyes PN, The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP, who presided over the ceremony at the General Headquarters here.
"I congratulate BGen Bong Cerdan Viray III for this latest designation. Rest assured that the AFP, as always, will support all your endeavors in the furtherance of our peace and development efforts and advocacies," Vice Admiral Reyes added.
