PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- General Jose Faustino Jr relinquished his post as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a Joint Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on Friday, November 12 as he bowed out of service after over 37 years in the military.
Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, the current Commanding General of the Philippine Army, took the helm as the 57th Chief of Staff of the AFP.
“Today marks the culmination of my 37 years of faithful and dedicated service to our flag – 37 long years filled with trials and obstacles, yet absolutely rewarding and fulfilling. After all, not every citizen is given the privilege to serve our country by defending its freedom and protecting its sovereignty from the frontlines,” said General Faustino Jr.
“Truly, it is difficult to say goodbye to the institution that sheltered me and comforted me and gave me my own domain of leadership,” he added.
A member of Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988, General Faustino steadily rose through the ranks and was entrusted various command and staff positions in the AFP.
He became the commander of the 7th Scout Ranger Company, the 11th intelligence and Security Unit, the 35th Infantry Battalion, the 501st Infantry Brigade, the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), and the Eastern Mindanao Command.
In his stint as 10ID Commander from 2018 to 2020, he led the unit in dismantling six Pulang Bagani Commands and four Guerilla Fronts of the communist terrorist group.
He also became the first Commander of the Joint Task Force Mindanao, unifying peace and security efforts of both Western and Eastern Mindanao Commands.
His hard work and dedication to duty were recognized with the awards and decorations he received such as Distinguished Service Stars, Silver Cross Medals, Bronze Cross medals, a Silver Wing medal, and numerous Military Merit and Military Commendation medals for combat and administrative accomplishments.
He was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Chief Commander) for successfully steering the AFP as Chief of Staff.
“To every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine, I am deeply grateful to have served with all of you. Your dedication to duty and heart for service are the driving forces that made all our accomplishments possible. It has, indeed, been a most fruitful and meaningful journey spent with you," General Faustino Jr said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Centino also served in various command and staff positions prior his stint as Commanding General of the Philippine Army, including as commander of the 26th Infantry Battalion, Secretary Army General Staff, 4th Infantry Division Chief of Staff, Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3.
A fellow member of the PMA Maringal Class of 1988, he has undergone local and foreign trainings such as the Basic Airborne Course; Infantry Officer Basic and Advance Courses; VIP Security Operations Training; Scout Ranger Course, where he graduated at the top of his class, Counter Intelligence Operations Course, Intelligence Officer Course; Military Intelligence Collection Course; and Training Development Course.
Likewise, he finished his Command and General Staff Course at the AFP Command and General Staff College, and is also a holder of a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Science Degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, Washington, D.C. United States.
“As I assume the leadership of the more than 150,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines, I enjoin everyone to maintain our momentum, sustain our gains, and remain victorious. Let us remember that the enemy is on the brink of irreversible defeat. Let us not forgo this opportunity,” Lt. Gen. Centino said.
“In doing so, let us all maintain excellence amidst the challenges and instill among ourselves the culture of discipline as professional and competent soldiers, airmen, sailors, and the marines of the Filipino nation. Ladies and gentlemen, we only have six months remaining, therefore, we must focus on our main task and double time on our efforts,” Lt. Gen. Centino added. (AFP/PIA-NCR)
