Palace: Faustino knew change of leadership in AFP

Malacañang on Tuesday insisted that former Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. knew about the sudden change of leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This as Faustino, in a separate statement, said that he resigned from his post last week after learning "only from news and social media" that a new military chief had taken his oath in Malacañang.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil underscored that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has the prerogative to appoint the Philippine military's chief.

"The President as the Commander-in -Chief has the sole prerogative to appoint the AFP Chief of Staff. According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, former DND OIC Jose Faustino Jr. knew of the developments with regard the appointment of General Andres Centino, who is the only 4-star general in the AFP," Garafil said in a statement.

Faustino has said he cannot allow the AFP's reputation to be "tarnished, maligned, or politicized" as he vowed to hold the military organization in high esteem. He did not elaborate.

Marcos appointed Centino back as chief of the AFP, replacing his previous appointee Lieutenant General Bartolome Bacarro, who only served for about five months.

Meanwhile, Marcos appointed Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. as DND secretary, replacing Faustino.

At least seven to nine officials of the DND also quit their posts following Faustino's resignation, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

Andolong said the resignation of the DND officials under the new leadership is “normal” because he said it is “customary” and “part of procedure” for them to do so as coterminous officials. — BM, GMA Integrated News