Centino assumes post as AFP chief of staff

By Arlie O. Calalo

AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (File photo) via PNA

GEN. Andres Castor Centino formally assumed his post as 59th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro in a turnover rites presided by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at Camp Aguinaldo on Saturday.

Centino thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his trust and confidence, and for naming him new AFP chief of staff.

Centino previously served as commanding general of the Philippine Army from May 14, 2021, to Dec. 10, 2021.

His other prior posts include 4th Infantry Division commander, deputy chief of staff for operations, J3, and 401st Infantry Brigade commander.

Centino graduated from the Philippine Military Academy as cum laude in 1988.

He holds a master’s degree in Business Management from the University of the Philippines, a master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and a certificate in Strategic Business Economic Program from the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Centino implemented four major thrusts within the military, which include operational efficiency, optimal use of resources, advancement of professionalism and meritocracy within the organization, and capability development.

Under his leadership, the AFP successfully launched military campaigns against insurgents and local terrorist groups resulting in the dismantling of guerilla fronts in affected communities.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/07/news/centino-assumes-post-as-afp-chief-of-staff/1873169