New AFP chief Centino to troops: Let’s end local armed conflict before Duterte’s term ends

Lieutenant General Andres Centino took the helm as the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, egging troops to "end the local armed conflict before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends in June 2022."

Undersecretary for Defense Operations Cesar Yano presided over the change of command ceremony held at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Centino replaced General Jose Faustino Jr., the 56th chief of the AFP.

Both Faustino and Centino are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988.

In his speech, Centino promised to continue the whole-of-nation approach in fighting all kinds of threats to national security.

"Our relentless operations against the terrorist will ensure a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive for inclusive progress. We will align our efforts based on the four priority thrusts that will serve as our baseline and guiding mechanisms to accomplish our mission in the organization," Centino said.

He reminded all military personnel on the target to end the local armed conflict before President Duterte's term ends next year.

"Our commander-in-chief has entrusted to us the crucial responsibility to end the local armed conflict before his term ends and that is on 30 June 2022. Let us all be remindful to accomplish this task before the deadline," Centino said.

"We have gained much in our operational campaign to address the threat groups thus we must unleash our full force that will ultimately destroy and defeat the enemies of the state," he added.

The new AFP chief called on the remaining rebels to surrender as the national government is sincere and open to those who still want to return to the folds of law.

"If you insist, the full wrath of the AFP will hit you hard to the brink of your extinction in the face of our society," Centino said.

Centino also mentioned that the maritime security objectives would involve more than enforcing the rule of law in our territorial waters.

"We ensure that every operations, every activities, shall yield results. Guided by our joint operating concept, the major services shall continue developing the capabilities necessary to act in close operations, pursuing the vision of the military that coordinates and maneuvers across the land, sea and air," he said.

"These objectives also require control of our air space and the long-range capability of our land forces. Let us continue reinforcing our trends as a united force," he said.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said 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." — RSJ, GMA News