Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, the commanding general of the Philippine Army, is the top contender to succeed Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana mentioned earlier this week that there were three candidates for the top military post, including Bautista, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).