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]
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 in office. The road in gate 6 of Fort Bonifacio was named after him for his honor.
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