Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday appointed a former chief of her presidential guards as the country's next military chief, dpa reported.
Arroyo said Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit is to replace armed forces' Chief of Staff General Victor Ibrado, who is scheduled to retire on Wednesday.
"He will take over on Tuesday or Wednesday," Arroyo said.
Prior to the appointment, Bangit served as the head of the Presidential Security Group and as military intelligence chief.
"I would like to assure the people that I will do my very best to serve the interest of this nation and the Filipino people," he said.