Ernesto Mata
Ernesto S. Mata | |
|---|---|
Ernesto Mata as Defense Secretary in 1968 | |
| Secretary of National Defense | |
| In office 1967–1970 | |
| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Macario Peralta |
| Succeeded by | Juan Ponce Enrile |
| Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines | |
| In office 1966–1967 | |
| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Rigoberto Atienza |
| Succeeded by | Victor Osias |
| Commanding General, Philippine Army | |
| In office 1962–1964 | |
| President | Diosdado Macapagal |
| Preceded by | Alfredo M. Santos |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 7, 1915 Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippine Island |
| Died | March 7, 2012 (aged 96) Quezon City, Philippines |
| Education | University of the Philippines Philippine Constabulary Academy Command and General Staff College |
| Alma mater | Philippine Constabulary Academy |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Star Military Commendation Medal Philippine Legion of Honor Legion of Merit Crosses of Military Merit |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Philippines |
| Branch/service | Philippine Army |
| Years of service | 1937 – 1967 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | World War II Hukbalahap Rebellion |
Ernesto S. Mata (November 7, 1915 – March 7, 2012) was a Filipino General and the 15th Secretary of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines, serving in that capacity from 21 January 1967 to 3 February 1970.
Mata was also a former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, the only retired officer to be recalled to active duty to occupy this position. In February 2012, just before his death, he was acknowledged to be the only known living graduate of the Philippine Constabulary Academy, which was later renamed the Philippine Military Academy in 1935.