MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed General Charlton Sean Gaerlan as the new deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) made the announcement on Monday, saying Gaerlan assumed the post last March 21, 2023.
Gaerlan succeeded Vice Admiral Rommel Anthony SD Reyes, who retired earlier this March.
He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989, PCO said.
“Nanungkulan si MGen. Gaerlan bilang Philippine Marine Corps commandant at pinuno ng AFP Education, Training, and Doctrine Command,” it added.
(Gaerlan previously served as the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, and he headed the AFP Education, Training, and Doctrine Command.)
Gaerlan also served as assistant AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, Marine inspector general, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command deputy commander, and deputy commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade.
The deputy chief of staff is considered the third highest official in the military hierarchy.