Faustino assumes Philippine Army commander post

Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr. on Tuesday formally assumed post as the 63rd commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided over the change of command ceremony at the Ricarte Hall Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse in Fort Andres Bonifacio.

Faustino replaced Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana following Sobejana's appointment as overall chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Let us stand tall in this dark hour. Empathy and genuine concern shall be the hallmarks that accompany every soldier's discharge of duty,” Faustino said in his speech.

Faustino will take command of the Army amid accusations that the military is involved in red-tagging and human rights violations involving suspected communist rebels.

In his speech, Faustino said the Army's credibility "hinges on transparency and accountability, which instill confidence in the organization's support of the administration's actions to get us through these challenges."

During the ceremony, Lorenzana reminded Faustino that his new position will be different from his previous ones.

“Your concern now goes beyond operations since you are to manage the more than 100,000 strong Philippine Army,” Lorenzana said in his speech.

“Your leadership is crucial is ensuring that the organization is responsive not only to the multifaceted challenges it is currently facing, but also proactive to address emerging threats as well,” he added.

Prior to his new post, Faustino — a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988 — led the Army's Eastern Mindanao Command.

Faustino commanded several units including the 7th Scout Ranger Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, and the 501st Infantry Brigade.

Before becoming the commander of the 10th Infantry Division, he also held key positions such as the chief of staff of the Philippine Army and commandant of the Philippine Military Academy.

Under his command, 10th Infantry Division was able to dismantle six Pulang Bagani Commands, and four guerilla fronts of The New People’s Army, the Philippine Army said.

Faustino also served the 11th Intelligence Service Unit in Davao City and fought local terrorists in Western Mindanao when he led the 35th Infantry Battalion and the 501st Infantry Brigade as brigade commander.  —KBK, GMA News