The three major branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rendered their full support on the reappointment of General Andres Centino as Chief of Staff amid the destabilization rumors among their troops.
Over the weekend, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. spearheaded Centino's oath of office in Malacanang. He replaced Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro.
Centino isn't new in the job as he previously served as AFP chief from Nov. 12, 2021 to Aug. 8, 2022.
Prior to this, he also served as commanding general of the Philippine Army from May 14, 2021, to Dec. 10, 2021. His previous assignments also include Commander, 4th Infantry Division, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, and Commander, 401st Infantry Brigade.
Rumors of unrest began shortly after he delivered a speech urging the military to stop its “squabbling” among their ranks.
In a statement, the " target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philippine Army said Centino implemented four major thrusts within the military, Malacañang said in a statement.
These included the operational efficiency, optimal use of resources, advancement of professionalism and meritocracy within the organization, and capability development.
“We will always respect and support the decision of the President and Commander in Chief Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr," it said.
The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, said it “wholly supports the decision of the Commander in Chief.”
"As a professional organization, the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines is united behind the leadership of Gen Centino as it continues to perform its mission of protecting the people and defending territorial integrity and national sovereignty," it said.
The Air Force likewise echoed the statement, saying it “remains a stable and dependable organization,” as it also expressed support for the President’s move.
