Marcos appoints Gaerlan as AFP deputy chief of staff

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has designated Marine commandant Major General Charlton Sean Gaerlan as the Armed Forces' deputy chief of staff, the military’s third highest official.

Gaerlan formally assumed his post at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo during a ceremony presided over by General Andres Centino on Monday.

Gaerlan replaced Lieutenant General William Gonzales, who assumed the post in acting and concurrent capacity as AFP Inspector General last March 15 when then AFP deputy chief of staff Vice Admiral Rommel Anthony Reyes retired.

The latest designation of Gaerlan came seven months after taking the helm of the Marine Corps in August last year. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Makatao" Class of 1989.

Gaerlan previously served as commander of the AFP Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, assistant AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, and Marine Inspector General, among others.

"I am humbled and honored to stand before you as I assume as the TDCSAFP (The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP), a leadership post charged with a great amount of responsibility and a higher level of accountability," Gaerlan said in his speech.

Gaerlan called for the support towards the military's modernization so that troops can achieve its goal of becoming a "world-class armed force."

"I urge everyone to continue to support the AFP modernization and transformation programs so that we can achieve our mission to become a world-class Armed Force and continue to value the enhancement of professionalism across the organization," he said.

Centino, meanwhile, said he is confident Gaerlan will be effective as AFP deputy chief of staff, noting the latter’s expertise in the field of intelligence, operations and personnel management.

“Without doubt, his previous designations prepared him to take on greater tasks as the AFP's third-in-command," said Centino.

The military has yet to announce a replacement for Gaerlan as commandant of the Marine Corps, a major under the Philippine Navy.—LDF, GMA Integrated News