Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command (Speech) 8/8/2022

Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
August 8, 2022
“This afternoon is special as we become witnesses to a historic tradition that has long been undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines each time a new President is elected to lead the country,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“It is the perfect time to convey my utmost gratitude to General Centino for his exemplary service that he rendered as he faithfully executed the mandate of his office during the entirety of his tenure,” added President Marcos Jr. in his keynote address, as he cited the numerous accomplishments of the 57th Chief of Staff of the AFP (CSAFP), General Andres Centino.
General Centino began his service as Chief of the Armed Forces in November 2021. During his stint, President Marcos Jr. noted that he gave special credence and substance to competence, fair play and justice in dealing with the ranks, qualified personnel were selected for promotion, the placement of senior officers to key positions was deliberated upon, the AFP rotation policy was judiciously implemented, and other policies were executed in ensuring good governance in the AFP.
“He is a true patriot, a valiant soldier, an accomplished officer, a committed leader, an exemplary public servant. To General Centino, much respect and admiration for all that you have done. Thank you for your excellent service,” the Commander-in-Chief expressed.
Succeeding General Centino is Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Commander of the AFP-Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), as the 58th CSAFP. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Maringal’ Class of 1988.
One of Lieutenant General Bacarro’s notable accomplishments was his deployment in Isabela at the height of the counterinsurgency campaign in the Cagayan Valley where he earned his Medal of Valor - the highest award for military combat in the AFP - in December 1991.
“He was fearless in combat and at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, he took on the most formidable foes, faced them head on and eventually emerged triumphant through sheer determination and courage,” President Marcos Jr. added.
“It is certain that we have chosen the right leader in General Bacarro to lead the AFP as it marches forward and undertakes a new journey that will eventually pave the way for a much improved and stronger AFP in the days ahead,” the Commander-in-Chief stated.
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