AFP chief visits troops on Pag-asa Island

HIGHER RANK | AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino bestows the third star on Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos. (PHOTO FROM THE AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE)

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino visited Palawan, including Pag-asa Island, over the weekend.

During his visit on Pag-asa Island on Friday, Centino bestowed a third star on Western command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.

Centino explained that his visit to Pag-asa Island was intended to impose the Philippine government’s “territorial defense posture.”

He said that bestowing on Carlos his promotion to vice admiral on Pag-asa Island was very significant.

“We are veering away from the usual elaborate and formal donning ceremony as the event all the more highlights or gives more meaning to awarding the rank to Vice Adm. Carlos,” he said.

“This is very significant because we are all here in the most remote deployment of our troops, the valiant defenders of the Philippines’ first frontier,” he explained.

During his visit, Centino inspected military facilities, checked on the troops’ morale and ensured the unit’s operational readiness.

The AFP chief of staff also conveyed the Filipinos’ gratitude for the soldiers’ services and sacrifices as “defenders of the country’s western frontier.”

Centino, likewise, visited the headquarters of Joint Task Force Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan, and inspected the former Matinloc and Nido gas platforms.

The AFP chief of staff also boarded the frigate BRP Jose Rizal, which patrols the West Philippine Sea.

Centino emphasized the importance of securing the area and facilities that provide energy to the Philippines and assured continuing support to the Navy’s modernization program.

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