Marcos to new AFP chief Brawner: Adjust internal security ops, be ready for ‘any contingency’

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday urged new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. to recalibrate the internal security operations and prepare for “any contingency.”

Marcos gave Brawner these orders as the President, who is also the commander-in-chief, presided over the turnover ceremony for the new AFP chief at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Given your extensive experience in safeguarding peace in conflict-affected areas, I urge you to recalibrate our internal security operations, so that we can deliver public services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities,” Marcos said in his speech.

Marcos expressed confidence that Brawner’s leadership will lead to a safer and more secure nation with rebels returning to the fold of the law and becoming productive citizens.

He also urged the entire AFP to be prepared for “any contingency” as he assured them that the military organization will be modernized.

“At this juncture, allow me to urge you all to work towards an Armed Forces that is agile and prepared for any contingency. As your commander-in-chief, I assure you that this administration is firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit by modernizing the AFP,” he said.

With the efforts to boost the country’s external defense capacity, Marcos asked the military to keep working with government agencies and civilians to form an “archipelagic consciousness” among Filipinos.

“This will help champion our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said.

“I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and the national sovereignty of the country amid the challenges ahead,” he added.

Brawner replaced General Andres Centino, who will now serve as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.

Aside from the turnover, the event also included the donning of ranks for Brawner with his promotion to General and the retirement ceremony for Centino.

Brawner said he would work on the unification of a solid and professional AFP that follows the chain of command as well as the unification of former rebels with the mainstream community.

“We have to give special attention to the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” Brawner said in his speech.

The new AFP chief also noted the modernization of the AFP to be a “lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” He said these efforts would also include cyber warfare.

“We shall also actively pursue our international defense and security engagements to strengthen our relations with our allies and partners. We shall actively participate in the United Nations missions to enhance our country's reputation as a peace-loving nation" Brawner said.

Brawner is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989. Prior to his new designation, he served as the commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Centino, meanwhile, is a member of the PMA Class of 1988. 

Soon as Brawner’s appointment was announced on Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Senate defense committee chairperson Jinggoy Estrada said they don’t see any controversy on the matter.

The senators said the designation to a new post was compliant with the law on military officials’ fixed term. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News