In today’s ceremonies, Mrs. Arroyo will be accorded the traditional parade in review upon her arrival at the Camp Aguinaldo parade grounds.

Senga, former commander of the Philippine Army (PA), will replace General Efren Abu who will retire today after a one-month extension given to him by Mrs. Arroyo, the Armed Forces’ commander-in-chief.

Major Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, former chief of the Army Special Operations Command (Socom), will replace Senga as Army commander. The turnover ceremonies for Esperon is scheduled for Wednesday (August 17) at the Army parade grounds in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.

The term of office of Abu, who was supposed to retire from the military service last July 17 at age 56, was extended by Mrs. Arroyo because of rumors that some military officers were disenchanted as a result of the "Hello Garci" controversy.

However, Abu quickly declared his neutrality in the issue and warned military personnel against engaging in partisan political activities.

Senga, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1972, also served as commander of the Southern Command (Southcom) which has jurisdiction over Mindanao.

Senga is regarded by his colleagues in the AFP as well as officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as a very respected military officer based on his numerous significant achievements in the service.

PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao, a classmate of Senga in the PMA, described the new AFP chief as "an intelligent and good-natured military officer."

"He is very cool headed," Lomibao said of Senga.

Maj. Gen. Alexander Yano, chief of staff of the Army, described Senga as "a strategic thinker and pragmatic doer."

"General Senga exacts high standards of performance from himself and his men. He is also a silent doer who shuns fanfare," said Yano, who had closely worked with Senga during the latter’s stint as an infantry brigade commander in Davao province.

AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mayuga said that Senga is a "downto-earth person with a good sixth sense."

Born in Marikina on July 21, 1950, Senga was also assigned as commander of the 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Maguindanao; AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations (J-7); Army chief of staff; AFP spokesman; chief of the 701st Infantry Brigade; commander of the Army counter-terrorist group; Army assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3); and chief of staff of the AFP Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based in Tarlac.

Following his graduation from the PMA in Baguio City, Senga was first assigned as a platoon leader of Bravo Company, 27th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.

Senga also engaged in battles waged by the then AFP Central Mindanao Command against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the 1970s and was once wounded in action. Senga also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University where he also took two years of law study.

He was recepient of many awards that included eight Distinguished Service Star Medals, two Bronze Cross Medals, 17 Military Merit Medals, and a Wounded Personnel Medal.

The new AFP chief is married to Pilar Pigason-Senga of Masbate. They have three children— Kristina, Gabriel and Katrina.