Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) — General Andres Centino, who returns as the country’s top military official after five months, has stressed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) need for leaders capable of uniting and modernizing the organization.
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The 55-year-old — who previously served as AFP chief of staff from Nov. 12, 2021 to Aug. 8, 2022 — again officially assumed the post in a change of command ceremony held Saturday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
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This was just a day after Malacañang announced his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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He replaced Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, who succeeded him last August.
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“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,” said Centino.
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“Soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this is General Andres Castor Centino, once again ready to lead,” he added.
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In his speech, Centino also highlighted the law signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2022 which sets fixed terms for key military officials and raises the mandatory retirement age of soldiers.
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“It aims to provide for the selection of the most competent, the most capable and the most deserving leaders,” Centino said, referring to Republic Act (RA) 11709.
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“And 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,” he continued.
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Before he ended his address, Centino commended Bacarro for his “exemplary service.” The two were both members of the Philippine Military Academy Maringal Class of 1988.
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Bacarro also delivered a short speech during the ceremony, where he thanked fellow soldiers and other people who have supported and assisted him during his stint as AFP head.
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Marcos earlier described the 56-year-old Bacarro as the “right leader” to lead the military toward a “much improved and stronger AFP in the days ahead.”
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