Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
July 21, 2023
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated General Andres Centino, Philippine Army (PA), for successfully completing his tour of duty as Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communist and local terrorist groups. In terms of our national security, the AFP has conducted hundreds of maritime air patrols, naval surface patrols as well as deployed hundreds of troops to defend our islands. The AFP also established dozens of Littoral Monitoring Stations and Detachments across the country,” the President stated, conveying his utmost respect and gratitude to General Centino.
The Commander-in-Chief bestowed the Presidential Legion of Honor Award and presented the Command Plaque, Plaque of Honorable Service, framed medals, Pagpupugay sa Kawal Pilipino Plaque, Plaque of Appreciation and an encased Philippine Flag to the outgoing AFP Chief of Staff.
General Centino will be appointed as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea, according to the President.
He welcomed the incoming AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., who received the donning of ranks during the program.
“Given your extensive experience in safeguarding peace on conflict-affected areas, I urge you to recalibrate our internal security operations so that we can deliver public services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities,” he directed General Brawner.
President Marcos Jr. gave a firm assurance that the Administration will continue pursuing the AFP Modernization Program and strengthen the country’s external defense capabilities to ensure national sovereignty and security of all Filipinos.
“I ask you too to continue working with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness amongst Filipinos. This will help champion our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the President stressed in concluding his keynote message.
* * *