AFP: Everything is ‘normal,’ PNP assets in Crame part of Black Nazarene exercise

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday said everything was “normal,” adding that the Philippine National Police (PNP) assets inside Camp Crame are part of a simulation exercise for the activities of the Black Nazarene feast.

“The AFP assures everyone that everything is normal. The movements of PNP assets are part of the simulation exercises in preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

“Rest assured that the AFP, in coordination with other government security forces, will always be on guard to protect you from all threat groups,” it added.

Aguilar, meanwhile, said the change of the command of the chief of staff went on “smoothly.”

General Andres Centino formally assumed his post as chief of staff of the AFP on Saturday morning.

“As a professional organization, the whole AFP 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,” Aguilar said.

Malacañang announced on Friday that Marcos appointed Centino as AFP chief of staff. Centino already served as AFP chief of staff from November 12, 2021, to August 8, 2022. — DVM, GMA Integrated News