Army commanding general Centino is next AFP chief

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Andres Centino as the new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Centino will replace General Jose Faustino Jr., who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Friday, November 12.

According to AFP spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala, Centino "has immense knowledge and experience in leading our troops on the ground and in supporting peaceful efforts to protect our people against various threats."

"His integrity, management acumen and genuine desire for peace and development make him a competent leader who shall guide the AFP in fulfilling its mission while supporting national efforts to battle the current pandemic," Zagala added.

Centino is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Maringal" Class of 1988.

For his part, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Malacañang is confident that Centino "will continue the initiatives of his predecessors to bring lasting peace and development in the country while securing the state and upgrading our defense capability."

"We wish the success of General Centino in his new role," he said. 

A turnover ceremony is scheduled on Friday afternoon. —with Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News