Alfonso Arellano

Alfonso Viterbo Arellano was a Filipino army officer who served as AFP Chief of Staff from 1956 to 1957. He was a World War II veteran and decorated soldier. He was appointed by President Ramon Magsaysay a fellow World War II hero.

Early years and education

Arellano was born on March 12, 1905, in Talavera, Nueva Ecija to father Silvino Viterbo Arellano and mother Saturnina Viloria Viterbo. He was admitted to the Philippine Constabulary Academy in 1927 and graduated in 1929.

World War II and after

Arellano, then Captain, commanded 41st Field Artillery Battalion 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. He was released within the year and subsequently a joined guerilla unit to harass Japanese forces until General MacArthur returned.
After the war he resumed 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 in reorganizing, recruitment, and making the Armed Forces of the Philippines professional soldiers but died in July 1957 while still in office. The road in gate 6 of Fort Bonifacio was named after him for his honor.