MANILA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has named Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.

Galvez, who led troops in the five-month battle to retake Marawi city from terrorist insurgents that occupied the southern Philippine city in May last year, will replace Gen. Rey Leonardo who will finish his extended term later this month.

Galvez is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1985. He will lead the AFP until his retirement in December this year.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described Galvez as "a professional and competent officer" and believed he can be a good chief of staff.

Galvez assumed as Western Mindanao Command commander in January last year. Before that, he was the commander of the army's 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao province.?