New commander promises a 'disciplined' Philippine Army

Promising to provide a "ready and disciplined" force to the government, Major General Andres Centino on Tuesday morning formally took over the helm of the 100,000-strong Philippine Army.

Centino, former commander of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro, replaced Lieutenant General Jose Faustino. Both belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988.

Faustino was replaced as acting commanding general of the Philippine Army in accordance with Republic Act 8186 section 4, which states the Army commander should have at least one year remaining in the service on the day of his assumption. Faustino is due to retire by November of this year.

"I want to emphasize the value of discipline among our soldiers," Centino said during his assumption speech.

"The people we serve put their trust on soldiers who possess character, commitment and competence. Every soldier therefore is expected to embody these army values in the highest standard of discipline."

Part of efforts to attain this, Centino said, is for the Army to "recruit and retain" the most qualified and the best fitted for the job among our officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resource.

He also vowed to "strengthen the evaluation ratings and performance to maximum meritocracy as a basis for designations to positions and promotions to higher ranks."

Under his watch, Centino said the Philippine Army will continue work on its modernization.

"Acquisition of new equipment and technology shall be prioritized," he said, adding the goal is for the country to have a "professional and well equipped" army.

During his speech, Centino praised President Rodrigo Duterte — the military's commander-in-chief — for steering the country "on the brink of victory against communist insurgency, secessionism, and terrorism."

"This is happening because the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is led by a commander-in-chief whose unflinching resolve fuels our determination to finally put an end to the conflict that have plague our country for years," he said.

Huge blow vs. rebels

Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana, for his part, said Centino is "well fit for the job," citing the newly-installed Philippine Army chief's military leadership and anti-insurgency efforts.

"Under his  (Centino) leadership, the 4th infantry division was successful in rallying communities to strongly reject the CPP-NPA-NDF dealing a huge blow against the communist terrorist groups," Lorenzana said during the Philippine Army change of command.

Centino is also "more than ready" to lead the Philippine Army as well as assist in ending communist insurgency in the country, Lorenzana also said.

"With over 30 years of experience in the military service, especially in operations, Major General Centino can definitely sustain the Philippine Army's operational tempo to accomplish our ultimate goal of ending the decades old  communist insurgency," Lorenzana pointed out.

Faustino's leadership

Lorenzana also hailed Faustino's service in taking the helm of the Philippine Army despite a short stint due to "legal infirmities" in his designation.

"Though his stint was short, it was nonetheless meaningful and productive... This is unprecedented in the history of the Philippine Army when a commanding general will leave before his time is due, but we have to do it to address some legal infirmities in his designation as commanding general," said Lorenzana.

Under Faustino's leadership, Lorenzana said the Philippine Army "excellently performed its core functions" in creating a "conducive environment for lasting peace."

"The Army is also a frontliner in the government's COVID-19 response. At the same time, ably sustaining the operational tempo, neutralizing the enemies of the state, it is no surprise therefore that the Philippine Army continues to enjoy high public trust rating under his leadership," Lorenzana said.

After being relieved, Faustino was moved to the post of special assistant to the chief of staff on peace and development.  —with Consuelo Marquez/KBK, GMA News