Centino back as AFP chief of staff
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:57 p.m.) — Gen. Andres Centino is back as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, just five months after he handed the reins of the military to Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro — who took over Centino’s post in August 2022.
According to a statement from the Malacañang released Friday night, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the oath taking of Centino as the “new Chief of Staff of the [AFP].”
This means Centino has resumed to take the post he held from Nov. 12, 2021 to Aug. 8, 2022, after which Bacarro became the AFP chief of staff. During this period, Centino was nominated as ambassador to India as reported by Inquirer.
Bacarro was supposed to be the first AFP chief of staff with a fixed three-year term, pursuant to the newly enacted Republic Act 11709, which sets a fixed term for key military officials.
Change of Command Ceremony
The AFP also held its Change of Command Ceremony on Saturday morning, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin serving as presiding officer. Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo also attended the ceremonies held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, which was also streamed by the RTVM.
During his remarks, Centino thanked Marcos for his “trust and confidence” in his appointment as military chief.
“It is indeed a rare privilege to serve our country in this capacity under your direction,” he added.
He also said that there should be no divisions in interpreting RA 11709, adding: “As we strive to put this law into effect, we as an organization cannot afford to remain or to be divided and squabbling on how its interpretation stands to benefit one over the other, and lose focus on what is best for the armed forces as a whole.”
Centino continued that to interpret the law, the AFP “needs strong and determined leaders capable of steering the organization in the direction of stabilizing unity and ushering in a truly modern and professional armed forces.”
The Palace, in its statement, noted during Centino’s stint as military chief, he “implemented four major thrusts” that are operational efficiency, optimal use of resources, advancement of professionalism and meritocracy within the organization, and capability development.
It also said Centino lead in launching military campaigns to combat insurgents and local terrorist groups.
The Palace has yet to explain the sudden change of command at the AFP. — Kristine Joy Patag
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